IP68 Standard

The IP Standard (Ingress Protection) is an international classification system defined by IEC 60529. It specifies the level of protection provided by electrical and electronic equipment enclosures against the ingress of solid objects (such as dust) and liquids (such as water). The IP rating is expressed as IP followed by two digits, for example IP65.

• First digit (0–6): Protection against solid objects and dust
• Second digit (0–9): Protection against water

In the weighing industry, IP ratings are critically important because weighing equipment is often installed in harsh industrial environments. Components such as load cells, weighing indicators, junction boxes, floor scales, and truck scales are exposed to dust, humidity, washdown cleaning, rain, or even flooding.

An appropriate IP rating ensures:

• Accuracy and stability of weight measurement
• Long‑term reliability of electronic components
• Reduced maintenance and downtime
• Compliance with industrial, food, pharmaceutical, and outdoor installation requirements

For example, food and pharmaceutical weighing systems require high IP protection due to frequent washdowns, while grain silos or cement plants require strong dust protection. Choosing the correct IP class is therefore a key design and purchasing decision in any weighing system.

IP68: Protection Against Immersion (Continuous)

• Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions that shall be specified by the manufacturer. This goes beyond the standardized 30-minute test of IP67.
• The manufacturer must define the maximum depth and duration (e.g., 5 meters continuously for 24 hours). The enclosure must maintain its integrity under these specific, often harsher, long-term conditions. This often requires specialized sealing materials and robust construction.
• Required for equipment that is permanently installed in wet environments, such as submerged load cells under continuous flow, scales used in chemical tanks, or equipment in wastewater treatment facilities where constant submersion is expected.