What Does IP67 or IP66 Mean?
On the occasion, while looking for cameras you will come across the term: IP67 or IP66 compliant, but what does that mean? IP67 or IP66 is usually a rating that is giving to outdoor cameras and it defines the camera’s ability to keep out foreign objects.
The IP stands for Ingress (the act of entering) Protection. The first numerical digit (in this case being 6) describes the rating that is given for solid objects. The rating of 1, the lowest rating, defines the entering object being greater than 50mm. The rating of 6, the highest rating, means the camera would be dust tight. The second numerical digit (again, in this instance a 6) defines how well the camera can keep liquids out. The rating of 1 means no special protection at all. The rating of 8, the highest rating, meaning the camera would be suitable for continuous submersion in water.
Below is a chart that describes the rating of the two numerical digits that follow IP:
| Protection against solid objects | |||
| 1st Digit | Description | Definition | |
| 0 | Non-protected | No special protection | |
| 1 | Protected against solid objects greater than 50 mm | A large surface of the body such as the hand (no protection against deliberate access). Solid objects exceeding 50mm diameter | |
| 2 | Protected against solid objects greater than 12 mm | Fingers or other objects not exceeding 80 mm in length. Solid objects exceeding 12 mm diameter | |
| 3 | Protected against solid objects greater than 2.5 mm | Tools, wires, etc of diameter or thickness greater than 2.5 mm. Solid objects exceeding 2.5 mm diameter. | |
| 4 | Protected against solid objects greater than 1.0 mm | Wires or strips of thickness greater than 1.0 mm. Solid objects exceeding 1.0 mm | |
| 5 | Dust protected | Ingress of dust is not totally prevented but dust does not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with satisfactory operation of the equipment | |
| 6 | Dust-tight | No ingress of dust | |
| Protection against liquids | |||
| 2nd Digit | Description | Definition | |
| 0 | Non-protected | No special protection | |
| 1 | Protected against dripping water | Dripping water (vertically falling drops) | |
| 2 | Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15º | Vertically dripping water shall have no harmful effect when the enclosure is tilted at any angle up to 15º from its normal position | |
| 3 | Protected against spraying water | Water falling as spray at an angle up to 60º from the vertical shall have no harmful effect | |
| 4 | Protected against splashing water | Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect | |
| 5 | Protected against water jets | Water projected from a nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effect | |
| 6 | Protected against heavy seas | Water from heavy seas or water projected in powerful jets shall not enter the enclosure in harmful quantities | |
| 7 | Protected against the effects of immersion | Ingress of water in a harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time | |
| 8 | Protected against submersion | The equipment is suitable for continuous submersion in water under conditions, which shall be specified by the manufacturer | |
It is important to select the right IP rating for the environment that your security camera will be in. Contact a professional, experienced CCTV installation company to make sure the product you select is right for the job and lasts for years to come.