The meaning behind IP66

What does the rating on the cameras such as IP66 Mean?

When you start looking for cameras, you may notice the term written IP66 as one of the features of our cameras. But what does IP66 compliant actually mean? IP66 is the rating that is given to any outdoor camera, and it determines the camera’s ability to keep out foreign objects. The IP stands for Ingress (the ability of a foreign object to enter) Protection. The first digit (and for our cameras it is a 6) will tell you the specific rating that the camera is rated for foreign objects entering the camera housing or the lens. A rating of 1, the lowest means the objects 0.5 cm or smaller can enter. On the other hand, a rating of 6 means it is dust proof, and it is a perfectly sealed camera, housing, and lens. The second digit (and for our cameras it is another 6) tells us how well the camera can keep fluids out of the case. A low rating of 1 tells us that there is no protection for the camera. The highest rating is an 8, which means it is fully submergible, and can be used under water. Check below for a description of what each of the values mean in the IP rating system.

Protection against foreign objects: (First Number)

0 Non-protected No special protections

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 or wires, with a diameter or thickness greater than 2.5 mm.

4 Protected against solid objects greater than 1.0 mm Example: Wires that are thicker than 1 mm.

5 Dust protected But dust can still get in, but will not affect the operation of the camera

6 Dust-tight Not even dust can penetrate into the camera housing

Protection against fluids : (Secondary Number)

0 Non-protected No special protection

1 Protected against 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