If you’re looking for M12 connectors, you‘ve definitely seen these two ratings: IP67 and IP68.
A lot of people think “IP68 is higher, so I’ll just take that.”
But here’s the thing – that’s not how it works in real industrial projects. It’s not about which one is better. It’s about what your application actually needs.
Let me break it down in plain English. No complicated standards. Just what you actually need to know.
What's the Real Difference Between IP67 and IP68?
Both ratings mean the connector is dust-tight (that’s the “6”).
The difference is in water protection:
IP67 → Can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes
IP68 → Can be submerged in more than 1 meter continuously (exact depth depends on the manufacturer)
Here’s the simple version:
IP67 = Heavy rain, washdown, temporary submersion
IP68 = Long-term underwater operation
Which One Should You Actually Use?
Let me make this easy for you. Here’s exactly when to choose each:
Choose IP67 for:
Outdoor industrial equipment (rain, sun, dust)
Industrial robotics (oil, splashing)
Factory automation (occasional liquid contact)
EV charging stations, AGVs
Choose IP68 for:
Underwater lighting or sensors
Marine electronics, shipboard equipment
Wastewater treatment
Environments with constant standing water or high humidity
A question we get all the time: “Do I need IP68 for outdoor use?”
Probably not. IP67 is more than enough for most outdoor industrial applications. IP68 is specifically for long-term submersion – and it costs more, with stricter installation requirements.
Two Things More Important Than the IP Rating
If you’ve been in engineering for a while, you know this already – focusing only on IP rating can still get you into trouble.
Material quality matters more than you think
Waterproofing comes from the housing and sealing rings. Cheap PVC or basic plastic will crack and fail after a year or two outdoors.
Our M12 waterproof connector series uses PBT+GF or metal threaded housing as standard – better aging resistance, salt fog protection, and built for long-term outdoor use.
Installation is where most failures happen
A high IP rating won’t save you if the field installation isn’t done right – threads not tight enough, cable not clamped properly.
That’s why we always recommend threaded locking + pre-wired cables for critical applications. Fewer mistakes on site. Less warranty hassle.
Which Series Do You Need?
I’ve split our M12 waterproof connectors by application so you can go straight to what fits:
→ M12 IP67 Series – Industrial Automation & Outdoor Equipment (internal link)
→ M12 IP68 Series – Underwater, Marine, Long-Term Submersion (internal link)
Not sure which one fits your project? Just tell us your application – our engineering team will confirm the right option for you.