Is an IP68 enclosure necessary or will a lower IP rating do?
Short answer
IP68 is only necessary where an enclosure has to withstand submersion. The IP rating, defined by IEC 60529, describes how effectively an enclosure is sealed against external influences, so the level you need depends on the environment where it is installed. IP68 offers maximum resistance to dust and immersion in water, but specifying it by default can be counterproductive: these products cost more than lower-rated alternatives and generally take longer to install. Most applications never face submersion, so a lower IP rating can be used safely, indoors or outdoors, without compromising the integrity of the electrical system. We offer protection levels from IP00 to IP69k.
IP68 is not always necessary. The protection level you need depends on the environmental conditions where the electrical enclosure is installed, and for most applications an enclosure with a lower rating is the better choice.
The ingress protection (IP) rating is based on section 60529 of the International Electrical Code, referred to as IEC 60529, and it defines the sealing effectiveness of an electrical enclosure. This gives an overview of how well protected the solution is against external influences.
Offering maximum resistance to dust and immersion in water, IP68 solutions are typically considered the most robust. However, over-specifying an enclosure by selecting waterproof IP68 components as a matter of course can be counterproductive. These products tend to be more expensive than alternatives with lower IP ratings, and they generally require longer installation times.
Since most applications are not required to withstand submersion in water, businesses can often opt for lower IP ratings safely, without compromising the integrity of the electrical system. In effect, these enclosures offer an excellent choice for many installations, both indoor and outdoor.
The best way to determine what type of ingress protection you require is to look at where your system will be positioned. Our guide to installation areas and the recommended ELS installation systems will help you identify the right solution: https://www.spelsberg.co.uk/service/technical-information/technical-information/overview-of-the-installation-areas-and-the-recommended-els-installation-systems/
We offer a wide range of enclosures with different levels of protection, from IP00 all the way to IP69k, so we can cater for any application with reliable, rugged products that address your requirements.
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