IP68 Ratings: Can I Dunk My Phone?

Your phone says it is IP68. Does that mean you can swim with it? Let’s decode the secret language of Ingress Protection (IP).

The First Digit (Solids/Dust)

• 5: Dust Protected (Some dust can get in).
• 6: Dust Tight (Vacuum sealed. Zero dust).

The Second Digit (Liquids/Water)

• 4: Splash Proof (Getting caught in the rain).
• 7: Immersion (1 meter deep for 30 minutes).
• 8: Deep Immersion (Usually 1.5 meters for 30 minutes).

So IP68 = Dust Tight + Deep Water Safe.

The “Salt Water” Trap

These tests are done in fresh water. If you drop your phone in the ocean (Salt Water) or a pool (Chlorine):

• The chemicals eat the rubber seals.
• The salt corrodes the charging port. The rating applies to the lab, not the beach.

Robotics Application

Our FTC robots are usually IP00.

• 0: No Dust protection (Open gears).
• 0: No Water protection (Exposed PCBs). Keep your drinks away from the practice field! One spill is a $2,000 disaster.