IP18 vs IP67
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP18 and IP67 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 7). IP18 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP67 provides dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
The IP18 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP18
No
IP67
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP18
Yes
IP67
Yes
Submersible
IP18
Yes
IP67
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP18
Yes
IP67
Yes
The exact difference (IP18 vs IP67)
Solid protection
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP18 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP67 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP18 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP18 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP18. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP18 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.