IP68 vs IP05
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP68 and IP05 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 5). IP68 is rated for dust-tight and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP05 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP05 specifies no protection against solid objects and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP68
6 — Dust-Tight
IP05
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP68
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP05
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP68
Yes
IP05
No
Water-jet resistant
IP68
Yes
IP05
Yes
Submersible
IP68
Yes
IP05
No
Outdoor suitable
IP68
Yes
IP05
Yes
The exact difference (IP68 vs IP05)
Solid protection
IP68
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP05
Level 0 — No Protection
IP68 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP05 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP68 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP68
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP05
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP68 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP05 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP68 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP68 offers higher overall protection than IP05. Choose IP68 for harsher environments; IP05 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.