IP11 vs IP68
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP68 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 8). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP68 provides dust-tight and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
IP68 is dust-tight and protects against continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer (typically deeper than 1 meter for prolonged periods). The standard for submersible and marine equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP68
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP68
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP68
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP68
Yes
Submersible
IP11
No
IP68
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP68
Yes
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP68)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP68
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP68 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP68 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP68
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP68 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP68 provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP68 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP68 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.