ip65 vs ip67: What's the Difference?

When purchasing electronic devices for challenging environments, understanding IP ratings becomes essential. It explains the protection against particles and water.

In this article, we will explain each rating's specifications, compare their real-world applications, and help you determine which suits your needs.

IP65 vs IP67: What Is IP65 Rating?

The IP65 rating consists of two distinct protection specifications that work together to safeguard your devices. The First Digit (6 - Solids Protection) represents complete protection against dust ingress. The enclosure is dust-tight, preventing any harmful dust accumulation that could damage internal components.

The Second Digit (5 - Liquids Protection) indicates protection against low-pressure water jets from any direction. It can withstand water projected by a 6.3mm nozzle at 12.5 liters per minute. It does that from 3 meters away for at least 3 minutes without harmful water ingress.

IP65 vs IP67: What Is IP67 Rating?

The IP67 maintains the same excellent dust protection as IP65 but significantly enhances water resistance. The Second Digit (7 - Liquids Protection) is where IP67 surpasses IP65, adding protection against temporary immersion in water.

Specifically, IP67-rated devices can withstand immersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes without damage. IP67 adds temporary immersion protection (1m/30min) to the same dust-tight protection as IP65. It makes devices swim-proof but not suitable for diving. An IP67 rating does not automatically include water-jet protection, so some products list two ratings, such as IPX6 / IPX8, to cover both.

IP65 vs IP67: What's the Difference Between Them?

IP65 and IP67 are the same when it comes to dust protection, as they have the same solid object protection, which is 6. However, IP67 is much superior in liquid protection. It can offer protection against temporary immersion up to 1 meter, while IP65 only offers protection against water jets. Keep in mind that an IP67 rating does not automatically cover water jets, because immersion ratings (7, 8 and 9) are tested separately from jet ratings (5 and 6).

Choosing Between IP65 and IP67

Select IP65 when your needs include:

• Basic weather protection for outdoor devices
• Dust-tight enclosures for sensitive electronics
• Protection from rain, splashes, and humidity
• Cost-effective weatherproofing solutions

Choose IP67 when you require:

• Protection against temporary water immersion
• Equipment that might get submerged accidentally
• Marine or poolside applications
• Extra peace of mind for water exposure

IP65 vs IP66 vs IP67 for Outdoor Security Cameras

Outdoor security cameras are commonly rated IP65, IP66 or IP67. All three are dust-tight, because the first digit is 6. The difference is the second digit:

A higher number is not always a superset. A water rating of 6 or lower also meets every lower rating, so IP66 includes the water-jet protection of IP65. Ratings of 7, 8 and 9 are tested separately, so IP67 does not automatically include jet protection. Reolink's lineup covers all three. The OMVI 2i Ultra is rated IP65, the Argus 4 Pro is rated IP66, and the cameras in the RLK16-800B8 system are rated IP67.

Which IP Rating Is Enough for a Security Camera?

A camera mounted under an eave or on a wall mainly faces rain and splashes, so IP65 or IP66 is usually enough. IP66 adds protection against powerful water jets, which suits spots exposed to wind-driven rain. Consider IP67 when the camera sits low enough that standing water or flooding could briefly cover it.

How to Tell If a Security Camera Is Really Waterproof

Look for the IP rating on the manufacturer's official spec page instead of relying on the word "waterproof" on the box. Read both digits, and match the second digit to what the camera will face. A rating of IP65 or IP66 means protection against water jets, not immersion. Only IP67 and above cover immersion, and they do not automatically include jet protection.

Additional IP Rating Tips

IP Rating Explanation

The IP rating system uses a standardized two-digit code:

First Digit (Solid Protection):

• 0: No protection
• 1-4: Partial protection against solids
• 5: Dust-protected (limited ingress)
• 6: Dust-tight (complete protection)

Second Digit (Liquid Protection):

• 0: No protection
• 1-4: Protection against dripping/spraying water
• 5: Low-pressure water jets
• 6: Powerful water jets
• 7: Temporary immersion
• 8: Continuous immersion
• 9: High-pressure, high-temperature water jets

IP Rating Application

Different industries utilize specific IP ratings based on their needs:

Consumer Electronics:

• IP65: Weather-resistant smartphones, outdoor speakers
• IP67: Swim-proof wearables, rugged devices
• IP68: Professional underwater cameras

Industrial Equipment:

• IP65: Outdoor control panels, construction equipment
• IP67: Marine instruments, flood zone sensors
• IP68: Submerged piping systems, underwater sensors

Automotive Applications:

• IP65: Interior electronics, dashboard components
• IP67: Under-carriage components, exterior lights
• IP68: Submersible vehicle systems

Comparison Among IP65 vs IP67 vs IP68

IP65, IP67, and IP68 primarily differ in the liquid protection. Solid protection of all these is the same. IP65 offers protection against water jets from any direction, IP67 offers protection against temporary immersion in water for up to 1 meter, and IP68 offers protection against prolonged immersion in water beyond 1 meter.

Here’s a quick comparison.

Reolink Weatherproof Security Camera Recommendations

Home Hub with Argus 4 Pro

The Reolink Home Hub with Argus 4 Pro is a weatherproof security camera system. The cameras have an IP66 protection rating, so they can withstand harsh weather conditions, be it rain or snow. It can be placed outdoors without any worries. It’s a Wi-Fi 6 security camera system to ensure stable and fast connectivity.

The camera captures videos in 4K resolution. Its dual lenses offer a 180⁰ field of view and cover a wider area while eliminating blind spots. It’s also equipped with Reolink ColorX night vision to offer clear and colored videos all day. It is compatible with solar recharging. The Home Hub comes with a 128GB microSD card and can store data without any fee.

Home Hub with Argus Eco Ultra

Home Hub with Argus Eco Ultra is a wireless security camera system. The cameras have an IP66 rating and aluminum housing for excellent weather resistance. It can work both indoors and outdoors and offer incredible performance in all weathers. It’s a solar-powered camera that allows you to enjoy non-stop surveillance without recharging.

The cameras record in 4K resolution and have colored night vision. They can smartly detect objects and send real-time alerts. The Home Hub offers one-year local storage without any monthly fee. Plus, recordings are protected with AES-128 encryption. It offers a regular security summary and can support up to eight security cameras to cover a large area.

Reolink OMVI 2i Ultra

Reolink OMVI 2i Ultra is a wire-free security camera with an IP65 rating, which means it is dust-tight and protected against water jets. That suits rain and splashes at outdoor mounting spots, though not submersion. A 4K wide lens covers a 110-degree view, while a 5MP pan-tilt lens pans 355 degrees and tilts 55 degrees. With SyncTrack, the pan-tilt lens keeps following a moving subject even after it leaves the wide lens's view.

The detachable 10,000mAh battery comes with a 6W solar panel in the box, and Reolink rates the battery at up to 6 months on one charge. It records to a microSD card of up to 512GB, so local storage needs no subscription. The camera works from -20°C to 55°C (-4°F to 131°F).

FAQs

Which is better, IP65 or IP67?

IP67 is better for immersion, because it covers temporary immersion (1m for 30 minutes) that IP65 does not. However, IP67 does not automatically include IP65's water-jet protection, so look for a product rated for both if you need both. IP65 may be sufficient and more cost-effective if you only need weather protection without submersion capability.

Is IP65 enough for rain?

Yes, IP65 provides excellent protection against heavy rainfall and water splashes. It's specifically designed to handle outdoor weather conditions where complete waterproofing isn't required. Outdoor security cameras such as the Reolink OMVI 2i Ultra are rated IP65 for outdoor use.

Is IP67 completely waterproof?

No, IP67 means water-resistant with temporary immersion capability (1m for 30 minutes). True waterproofing requires IP68 or higher ratings for continuous underwater use.

Which is better, IP65 or IP68?

IP68 offers significantly better protection for underwater use, while IP65 only resists surface water exposure. Choose IP68 only if you need professional-grade waterproofing for diving or prolonged submersion.

What does the first and second digit in an IP rating mean?

The first digit shows protection against solid objects such as dust, from 0 (no protection) to 6 (dust-tight). The second digit shows protection against water, from 0 (no protection) up to 9 for high-pressure, high-temperature jets.

What is the difference between IP65 and IP66?

Both are dust-tight. IP65 is protected against water jets, while IP66 is protected against powerful water jets.

Is weather-resistant the same as waterproof?

No. The IP code does not define terms such as "weather-resistant" or "waterproof". It only states the level of protection the device was tested for. IP65 and IP66 cover water jets, IP67 covers temporary immersion, and continuous underwater use needs IP68.

Conclusion

IP65 provides excellent dust and water jet resistance, while IP67 adds crucial temporary immersion protection. We highlighted important protection level differences for electronic devices. Your choice should depend on specific environmental exposures and usage scenarios. Remember that higher IP ratings often increase cost, so match the protection level to your actual needs.