Watertight vs Dust-Tight Case
Watertight (IPx7+) and dust-tight (IP6x) are the two main protection categories. Watertight cases handle water immersion. Dust-tight cases handle particle ingress. The best cases meet both (IP65, IP66, IP67, IP68). Choose based on the environmental threats.
Detailed Comparison
| Aspect | Watertight | Dust-Tight |
|---|---|---|
| Watertight (IPx7) | 1m immersion, 30 min | Marine, dive, rain |
| Dust-tight (IP6x) | Complete dust ingress protection | Industrial, desert, construction |
| Combined (IP67) | Both watertight + dust-tight | Most B2B cases |
| IP65/IP66 (jet-proof) | Water jets + dust-tight | Marine deck, food processing |
| IP68 (continuous) | 3m+ continuous immersion | Dive, ROV, marine survey |
| IP69K (high-pressure) | Hot water jet (80°C, 80 bar) | Food processing, washdown |
| Cost (vs IP54) | Base | +30-100% |
Verdict
Choose IP65 for: rain + dust. IP67 for: most B2B (immersion + dust). IP68 for: continuous submersion. IP69K for: high-pressure washdown (food, pharma). For most B2B, IP67 is the standard.
What's the most common IP rating?
IP67 is the most common for B2B protective cases. It covers dust, rain, and accidental submersion. IP65 is also common for lighter-duty applications.