IP57 vs IP68
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP68 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 8). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP68 provides dust-tight and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
IP68 is dust-tight and protects against continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer (typically deeper than 1 meter for prolonged periods). The standard for submersible and marine equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP68
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP68
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP68
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP68
Yes
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP68
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP68
Yes
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP68)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP68
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP68 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP68 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP68
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP68 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP68 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP68 offers higher overall protection than IP57. Choose IP68 for harsher environments; IP57 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.