IP66 is the minimum ingress protection rating for most explosion-proof cameras installed outdoors. It provides full dust protection and resistance to powerful water jets from any direction. IP67 adds short-term immersion capability, IP68 covers continuous submersion, and IP69K is required where high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns are routine.
When specifying an explosion-proof camera for a hazardous area, the IP (Ingress Protection) rating is just as important as the ATEX or Class I Division certification. A camera rated for Zone 1 or Class I Division 1 but only tested to IP54 will fail within months in an outdoor refinery or offshore environment. Understanding what each IP rating actually certifies — and what it does not — helps procurement teams and HSE engineers write accurate specifications and avoid costly replacements.
What the IP Rating Standard Actually Measures
IP ratings are defined by IEC 60529 (identical to EN 60529 in Europe). The marking consists of two digits: the first specifies protection against solid particle ingress, and the second specifies protection against liquid ingress. A camera marked IP66 is therefore fully dust-tight (6) and resistant to powerful water jets (6). Both digits must be considered together — a camera that is IP6X for solids but only IP3X for liquids offers no meaningful water resistance in an industrial environment.
It is also worth noting that IP ratings are independent of ATEX, IECEx, and NEC certifications. A camera can hold an ATEX Zone 1 certificate and an IP66 rating simultaneously — these are two separate standards tested by separate bodies. The hazardous area certification governs ignition risk; the IP rating governs environmental sealing. Both are required for hazardous area outdoor cameras.
IP66: Dust-Tight and Jet-Water Resistant
IP66 is the most common rating for explosion-proof cameras installed outdoors in oil and gas, chemical, and mining environments. The “6” for solids means no dust can enter under any conditions (fully sealed). The “6” for liquids means the enclosure withstands powerful water jets (12.5 liters per minute at 100 kPa) from any direction for at least three minutes without allowing water entry.
In practice, IP66 covers the vast majority of outdoor industrial camera installations: exposed refinery structures, outdoor chemical loading areas, mine surface operations, and open offshore deck areas. If the camera will not be submerged and will not be subjected to direct high-pressure hose cleaning, IP66 is typically sufficient. Most Veilux explosion-proof cameras ship with IP66 as a baseline, with IP68 available on stainless housings.
IP67: Temporary Immersion up to 1 Meter
IP67 adds the ability to withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. The dust protection remains identical to IP66 (fully sealed). IP67 is relevant where cameras may be subject to temporary flooding — low-lying process areas, floor-level installations in chemical plants, or camera positions inside drainage channels or containment berms.
An IP67 rating does not mean the camera can be permanently submerged, and it does not cover pressure from water jets at the same intensity as IP66 testing. In fact, a camera rated only IP67 (not IP66) may not be rated for high-velocity jet spray. When the application involves both jet wash and potential flooding, specify IP67 in addition to IP66 — or simply specify IP68, which provides a higher level of immersion resistance and typically also covers jet-wash scenarios in manufacturer testing.
IP68: Continuous Immersion Beyond 1 Meter
IP68 indicates protection against continuous immersion in water at depths and durations defined by the manufacturer — typically 3 meters for 30 minutes or longer periods at shallower depths. IP68 is appropriate for cameras installed in underground tunnels, below-grade pump vaults, underground electrical substations, or any position where flooding beyond one meter is possible.
In mining operations — particularly longwall or room-and-pillar underground mines — IP68 is often a site requirement for all electronic equipment. Water is used extensively in dust suppression, and cameras can be exposed to continuous water spray and pooling. Stainless steel explosion-proof housings with IP68 ratings and marine-grade gaskets are the standard choice for these environments.
IP69K: High-Pressure, High-Temperature Washdown
IP69K is a German automotive standard (DIN 40050-9, now referenced in IEC 60529) that tests resistance to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. The test uses 80°C water at 8–10 MPa pressure at distances of 100–150 mm from all angles. This is the rating required in environments where cameras must survive regular steam cleaning — food processing plants, pharmaceutical manufacturing, paint spray booths, and dairy facilities.
IP69K-rated housings typically use stainless steel 316L construction, fluorosilicone or EPDM gaskets (which resist high temperatures), and optical-glass windows rated for thermal shock. If your facility performs hot-water or steam CIP (clean-in-place) cleaning anywhere near camera locations, IP69K should be part of the specification. Note that in pharmaceutical and food environments, explosion-proof requirements (if present) and IP69K must both be met — these specifications stack.
IP Rating Comparison: Which Standard to Specify by Environment
| IP Rating | Dust Protection | Water Protection | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP66 | Fully dust-tight | Powerful jets, any direction | Outdoor refineries, open chemical plants, mine surface |
| IP67 | Fully dust-tight | Immersion to 1 m / 30 min | Floor-level installations, containment berm areas |
| IP68 | Fully dust-tight | Continuous immersion (depth per spec) | Underground mining, below-grade vaults, water treatment |
| IP69K | Fully dust-tight | 80°C jets at 8-10 MPa | Food processing, pharma washdown, paint booths |
How IP Ratings and Hazardous Area Certifications Work Together
IP rating and hazardous area certification (ATEX, IECEx, NEC Class/Division) are tested and certified by different bodies under different standards. A camera must hold both certifications independently. The ATEX or Class I Division certification confirms the camera cannot ignite flammable atmospheres; the IP rating confirms the enclosure prevents dust and moisture from reaching the electronics and potentially causing failure.
When reviewing explosion-proof camera housing specifications, always check both the hazardous area marking and the IP rating separately. A camera may be correctly rated for Zone 1 (ATEX) but have an IP54 rating, making it unsuitable for direct weather exposure. Conversely, an IP68 camera without proper ATEX or Class I Division certification must not be installed in a classified hazardous area. See our ATEX and IECEx certification guide for details on what the certification documents must contain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between IP66 and IP67?
IP66 protects against powerful water jets from any direction. IP67 protects against temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. IP67 does not automatically include the jet-wash resistance of IP66, so specifying IP67 alone may leave a gap if the camera will be exposed to high-pressure hose cleaning.
Is IP68 better than IP67?
IP68 provides a higher level of water protection than IP67, covering continuous immersion at depths and durations specified by the manufacturer (often 3 meters for 30 minutes or more). For underground mining or below-grade installations, IP68 is appropriate. For most outdoor surface installations, IP66 is sufficient.
Do explosion-proof cameras need to be IP66 or higher?
There is no single regulatory requirement mandating a specific IP rating for explosion-proof cameras. However, ATEX and IECEx standards require that the enclosure maintain its protection level under the installation conditions. For outdoor hazardous area cameras, IP66 is widely accepted as the practical minimum. Some site specifications require IP66/IP67 dual rating.
What does IP69K mean for a camera?
IP69K indicates the camera withstands high-pressure, high-temperature water jets (80°C water at 8-10 MPa) from all angles at close range. This rating is required in environments where cameras are regularly steam-cleaned or hosed down with hot water, such as food processing plants, pharmaceutical facilities, and paint spray booths.
Can I install an IP66 camera in an ATEX Zone 1 area?
Yes, provided the camera also holds a valid ATEX Zone 1 (or IECEx Zone 1, Class I Division 1) certification. IP66 and ATEX Zone 1 are independent certifications covering different hazards. The camera must satisfy both. Always verify the ATEX certificate covers the specific gases and temperature class present in your installation zone.
Selecting the right IP rating for your environment is part of a complete explosion-proof camera specification. Veilux stocks cameras and housings rated IP66 through IP69K, with ATEX, IECEx, and Class I Division 1 certifications available. Contact our team to discuss your facility’s ingress protection and hazardous area requirements.
Key Industry Standards and References
IP rating classifications are defined in IEC 60529 (Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures). Equivalent NEMA enclosure types are covered in NEMA 250. For hazardous area electrical equipment, consult NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code).
Related Resources
- Explosion-Proof Camera Housing Selection Guide
- ATEX Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2 Camera Selection
- How to Design a Hazardous Area CCTV System
- Explosion-Proof Camera Installation Requirements
- Browse Explosion-Proof Camera Housings
- Request a Project Quote
Need explosion-proof cameras for your facility?
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About the Author
Daniel Fernandez
Daniel Fernandez is a hazardous area security systems specialist with over a decade of experience specifying ATEX, IECEx, UL Class I Division 1, and cUL certified surveillance equipment for oil and gas, chemical, mining, pharmaceutical, and offshore environments. He holds expertise in NEC and IEC area classification standards and has consulted on explosion-proof camera system designs across North America, Europe, and the Middle East.