When a product is rated as IP67, it’s considered waterproof. Here, IP stands for Ingress Protection and refers to the International Protection Marking developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its ratings consist of two digits: the first digit (1-6) indicates protection against solids and the second one (1-9) against liquids.
For IP67, the first digit “6”, describes high-quality protection against dust, debris, and airborne particles that may not be visible to the naked eye. The second digit “7”, signifies strong resistance to water, including jet sprays, water hoses, and brief immersion.
The IP67-rated products are reliable for indoor and outdoor applications, in wet conditions, as well as find use in industrial locations. In general, these products can handle water depths up to 1 m for around 30 minutes.
There are several solar panels that come with an IP67 rating, indicating their durability when submerged or exposed to water. These panels can endure immersion in water up to a depth of 1 meter for approximately half an hour. Similar to other electronic products, the “6” in IP67 signifies protection against dirt, while the “7” suggests that the solar panel can protect itself from typical wet weather conditions, including rain and snow.
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How to Obtain an IP67 Rating?
This rating ensures that your product’s features are correctly labeled and lets you know the expected level of protection. It is embraced with IP certification, replacing vague terms like “waterproof'” or “water-resistant”, as outlined in the product manual. However, it’s essential to be cautious about exceptions in product details.
To obtain an IP rating, you should arrange for Ingress Protection Testing through a certified organization. Before conducting the test, determine the appropriate rating based on the product’s resistance requirements and testing standards. It has to align with customer expectations as it would help the manufacturers better market their products. After the testing is completed, the assigned rating helps customers understand the product’s protection level.
Failure to get the correct rating can undermine consumer confidence and the manufacturer’s standing in the market.
Also Read: How to Protect Solar Lights from Rain
IP67 Vs. IP68: What’s the Difference?
IP67 and IP68 are ratings that show how well electronic devices can safeguard themselves from environmental issues. These ratings help products withstand dust, and dirt, and also handle splashes of water. The key difference between IP67 and IP68 lies in their water resistance capabilities. An IP67 device can handle being in water up to 1 meter deep for half an hour. On the other hand, with IP68, the device can endure submersion beyond 1 meter, and the exact depth is specified in the manufacturer’s guide.
Moreover, for optimal performance, it is typically not safe to immerse the device in water deeper than 1.5 m, and is highly recommended to limit the timings as well.
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