IP68

IP68 is a widely used protection class within vehicle lighting for trucks, semi-trailers, agriculture and off-road vehicles.

Meaning IP68

IP68 means completely dust-proof and protected against prolonged immersion in water deeper than 1 metre. The exact depth and duration can vary depending on the specific product and manufacturer. It is therefore always advisable to check the product's documentation carefully.

For vehicle lighting, this means that LED lights continue to function reliably in harsh conditions such as mud, water puddles and wet weather. When intensive cleaning methods are used, such as high-pressure cleaning or steam cleaning, additional protection against water penetration may be required. Then the product needs IP69 or IP 69K.

Waterproof

With LED Lighting on trucks, tractors and off-road vehicles, IP68 is common. Especially when these vehicles travel on outdoor roads, they are often exposed to mud, water puddles. Lighting needs to function reliably under these harsh conditions. IP ratings are determined according to the international standard IEC 60529. The second digit (8) indicates that the product is suitable for long-term immersion under manufacturer's conditions.

Protection against dust

For IP68, where the "6" stands for the highest dust-tightness rating, it can be said that the device is fully protected against dust and other solid particles. This means that IP68 devices are dust-tight and cannot allow harmful amounts of dust to enter, even under harsh and dusty conditions.

Is IP68 sufficient for your application?

• For rain and splashing water: yes
• For long-term immersion: usually yes (according to manufacturer's specifications)
• For high-pressure cleaning: no → IP69K

Examples of IP68

IP68 is also used in consumer products such as smartphones. For vehicle applications, however, durability and resistance to mud, brine and cleaning are particularly relevant.

Maritime applications: Vehicles used in maritime environments, such as boats, jet skis or semi-trailers for boats, need lighting that can withstand the corrosive effects of salt water and the impact of waves. IP68 vehicle lighting provides protection against water intrusion and ensures reliable operation even in harsh maritime conditions.

Intensive cleaning

When intensive cleaning methods are used, such as high-pressure cleaning or steam cleaning, additional protection against water penetration may be required. Even then, a higher IP value is important.

IP68 vs IP67 what's the difference?

The difference between IP68 and IP67 Rating is mainly found in their water resistance. The dust resistance is the same. Both IP67 and IP68 offer the same level of protection against dust, meaning they are both considered "dustproof".

Both ratings are designed to prevent dust particles from entering electronic devices, making them suitable for use in environments where dust is a common problem.

IP68 offers a higher degree of protection against water intrusion than IP67. These products can withstand long-term immersion in water under specific conditions specified by the manufacturer, while IP67 only offers protection against immersion to a depth of 1 metre for a limited time.

IP68 vs IP69K: what's the difference?

IP68 and IP69K both offer maximum protection against dust (class 6).
The difference is in the way water loads are tested.

• IP68: protection against long-term immersion under manufacturer's conditions.
• IP69K: protection against high pressure and high temperature water jets (e.g. for high-pressure cleaning or car washes).

Important to know: IP69K does not automatically mean that the product is also suitable for long-term immersion as in IP68K. The testing methods differ.

Watch the video explaining IP68 here

Next IP value explanation: IP69

Want to know which IP value is suitable for your vehicle application? Then take a look at our complete guide on IP values for vehicle lighting.