What Is an IP68 or IP67 Actuator

What Is an IP68 or IP67 Actuator? Understanding Protection Ratings in Real-World Terms

If you’ve ever stood in a factory washdown area, watched rain pour down on outdoor valves, or seen maintenance crews cleaning equipment with high-pressure hoses, you know one thing for sure: water and electronics don’t mix — unless the system is built to handle it.

That’s where IP ratings come in.

When you see terms like IP67 or IP68 actuator, they’re not just marketing jargon. They’re precise indicators of how well that actuator can survive harsh environments — from dust-filled mines to freezing offshore platforms or food processing plants where everything gets hosed down daily.

Let’s break this down in plain language, answer real questions engineers and plant managers ask every day, and help you understand what these numbers really mean — and why they matter for your application.

What Does “IP” Stand For?

“IP” stands for Ingress Protection — sometimes called International Protection rating. It’s a standardized code defined by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) in standard IEC 60529.

The purpose? To clearly define how well an electrical enclosure protects against two major threats:

• Solid objects (like dust, dirt, fingers)
• Liquids (like water, coolant, cleaning sprays)

Instead of vague claims like “weatherproof” or “durable,” IP ratings give you hard facts — so you can make smart decisions based on actual performance.

An IP rating always has two digits:
IPXX
→ First digit = protection against solids
→ Second digit = protection against liquids

For actuators used in industrial automation, IP67 and IP68 are among the most common — and for good reason.

What Does IP67 Mean for an Actuator?

An IP67-rated actuator is designed to be:

• Dust-tight (the “6”)
• Protected against temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes (the “7”)

So what does that actually look like in practice?

Imagine a valve actuator mounted outdoors on a chemical tank. During a heavy storm, rain lashes at it from all angles. Later, maintenance uses a pressure washer to clean debris off the housing.

With an IP67 rating, you can be confident:

• No dust will get inside over time (critical for long-term reliability)
• Short-term water exposure won’t cause failure
• The internal motor, gears, and circuitry stay dry even if submerged briefly during flooding or servicing

This makes IP67 ideal for:

• Outdoor installations
• Wastewater treatment plants
• Agricultural and irrigation systems
• Any environment with moisture, rain, or periodic cleaning

But here’s the catch: IP67 is not meant for continuous submersion. Once you go beyond 30 minutes underwater, the protection guarantee ends.

What About IP68? How Is It Different From IP67?

Great question — because while both sound similar, there’s a key difference.

An IP68 actuator is also:

• Dust-tight (same “6”)
• But protected against continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer

That last part is important: unlike IP67, which has a universal test (1m depth, 30 minutes), IP68 goes further — but exact specs vary by product.

For example:

• One manufacturer might rate their actuator for 3 meters deep, indefinitely
• Another may specify only 1.5 meters for extended periods
• Some IP68 actuators are even rated for underwater use in marine or offshore applications

So when someone says "IP68," always ask:

“How deep? For how long? Under what conditions?”

Because IP68 means ‘beyond IP67’ — but the details matter.

If your actuator needs to live underwater — even occasionally — IP68 is the safer choice.

Why Are Dust and Water Protection So Important?

You might think, “It’s just a little dust or splash — how bad could it be?” But let’s talk about reality.

Dust Isn't Just Dirt — It's a Silent Killer

Fine particles — whether cement powder, grain dust, or metal shavings — can:

• Clog moving parts
• Abrade seals and bearings
• Create conductive bridges on circuit boards
• Trap moisture and accelerate corrosion

Over time, even small amounts of dust lead to increased friction, overheating, and eventual mechanical failure.

An IP67 or IP68 actuator stops dust completely ("6" = dust-tight). That means no more surprise breakdowns because flour got into the gearbox.

Water Causes More Than Rust

Water doesn’t just rust metal — it wrecks electronics, degrades lubricants, and promotes mold and bacterial growth (a big deal in food & pharma).

And it’s not just floods or storms. Think about:

• High-pressure cleaning cycles in food processing
• Condensation forming inside enclosures due to temperature swings
• Salt spray near coastal facilities

All of these threaten performance — unless the actuator is sealed properly.

A true IP67/IP68 design uses:

• Precision-machined housings
• Double O-rings or gaskets
• Sealed cable glands
• Corrosion-resistant materials (like stainless steel or marine-grade aluminum)

These aren’t optional extras — they’re essential for survival in tough conditions.

Where Do You Typically See IP67 and IP68 Actuators?

These rugged actuators aren’t just nice-to-have — they’re required in some of the toughest industries:

? Food and Beverage Plants

Daily washdowns with hot, caustic solutions demand total protection. An IP68 actuator ensures valves controlling milk lines, beer flow, or sauce mixing won’t fail when sprayed down.

? Water and Wastewater Treatment

Valves often sit in flooded vaults or exposed to constant humidity. IP67/IP68 prevents pump failures during storm surges or maintenance work.

? Agriculture and Irrigation

Outdoor actuators control water gates and fertilizer dosing. Rain, mud, and crop dust make sealing non-negotiable.

⚙️ Offshore and Marine Applications

Saltwater is brutal. Only IP68-rated components should be trusted below deck or on subsea equipment.

? Pharmaceutical and Cleanrooms

Even though these seem “clean,” sterilization cycles involve steam and liquid disinfectants. Without proper sealing, contamination risks skyrocket.

Can I Trust All IP Ratings Equally?

Not necessarily.

While the IP standard is international, how manufacturers test and label their products varies.

Some companies do rigorous third-party testing. Others self-certify — meaning they claim a rating without independent verification.

To avoid getting misled:

✅ Look for documentation showing test reports or certification marks

✅ Ask: Was it tested to IEC 60529 standards?

✅ Check if the rating applies to the entire assembly, including wiring connections and feedback devices

Also note: IP69K is another level entirely — designed for high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns (common in food safety). If you're in that world, IP67/IP68 may not be enough.

Is an IP68 Actuator Worth the Extra Cost?

It depends — but usually, yes.

Yes, IP68 actuators cost more upfront than basic models. But consider the total cost of ownership:

In many cases, one unexpected failure — especially in a critical process — costs more than upgrading ten actuators to IP68.

Plus, modern IP68 actuators don’t sacrifice features. Many include:

• Digital position feedback
• Modbus communication
• Adjustable torque limits
• Smart diagnostics

You get ruggedness and intelligence in one package.

Choose Protection Like You Choose Insurance

Think of an IP67 or IP68 actuator as industrial insurance.

You hope you never need it — but when the storm hits, the hose sprays, or the floor floods… you’ll be glad it was there.

These aren’t just fancy labels. They represent real engineering — tight seals, robust materials, and proven performance — that keep your systems running when others fail.

At Valen Tech Co., Ltd., we build actuators to thrive in the messiest, wettest, dustiest places on Earth. Whether you need IP67 for occasional exposure or full IP68 submersion capability, we’ve got solutions designed for reliability, longevity, and peace of mind.

? Explore our IP67 and IP68-rated actuators
? Contact us for environmental compatibility advice

Because when the environment fights back — your actuator shouldn’t blink.