IP68-rated electrical enclosures and junction boxes are designed to prevent water ingress during immersion under defined conditions.
IP68 enclosures: Protect internal components in environments where immersion or water intrusion is a risk
IP68 junction boxes: Seal electrical connections in environments where water intrusion is a risk
Typical use: Applications involving flooding, standing water, or below-grade installations
IP68 does not mean “universally waterproof.” IP68 confirms that an enclosure can be submerged, but it does not define a single depth or duration. Those limits are set by the manufacturer.
What IP68 Means in Electrical Enclosures and Junction Boxes
IP68 is a part of the Ingress Protection (IP) rating system, which classifies how well an enclosure prevents solids and liquids from entering. The “6” indicates complete protection against dust. The “8” indicates protection against water during immersion. Unlike lower water ratings, IP68 is not limited to splashing or spray. It applies when the enclosure is expected to be submerged.
However, IP68 is not a single, fixed rating. The depth and duration of immersion vary depending on how the enclosure is tested. This means two IP68 enclosures may be rated for different immersion conditions, even though they share the same classification. The exact depth and duration of submersion are specified by manufacturer-defined test parameters.
Two enclosures can both be rated IP68 and still be tested to different immersion conditions.
IP68 Enclosures vs IP68 Junction Boxes
IP68 applies to both full enclosures and junction boxes, but their roles are different.
IP68 Enclosures
These are larger housings designed to protect complete systems or components.
They are typically used to:
Protect control systems or instrumentation
House electrical equipment in wet or submerged environments
Maintain environmental separation in outdoor or below-grade installations
IP68 Junction Boxes
These are smaller, purpose-built enclosures designed to protect electrical connections. They are used to:
Seal cable entry points
Protect splices and terminations
Maintain connection integrity in wet or submerged conditions
While both use the same rating, junction boxes are focused specifically on protecting connections, not complete systems.
When IP68 Protection Is Required
IP68 is typically required when water exposure includes the possibility of immersion. Common scenarios include:
Underground installations
Flood-prone environments
Marine and coastal applications
Wastewater and pump systems
Infrastructure exposed to standing water
In these applications, the enclosure must maintain a seal while surrounded by water.
When IP68 May Not Be Necessary
IP68 is often over-specified when the environment does not involve immersion.
It may not be required for:
Rain exposure
Occasional spray
Washdown conditions
In these cases, selecting a lower rating can:
Reduce cost
Simplify installation
Avoid unnecessary design complexity
The correct choice depends on actual exposure conditions, not assumed risk.
IP68 vs Other Waterproof Ratings
IP68 represents the highest level of water ingress protection within the IP rating system. However, it should be evaluated alongside other rating systems when specifying enclosures. For example, NEMA 6 applies to temporary submersion, and NEMA 6P applies to prolonged immersion. IP68 is comparable to NEMA 6P in that regard.
Where IP68 Solutions Are Commonly Used
IP68 enclosures and junction boxes are used in environments where water exposure is expected, not incidental.
These include:
Infrastructure and utility systems
Marine installations
Industrial and environmental applications
Underground and below-grade systems
In these environments, failure is typically caused by immersion, not surface exposure
