IP68 enclosures are able to block water ingress even while submerged in water. The exact times and depths vary, but they are longer than 30 minutes and deeper than 1 meter. Except for special ratings used for underwater applications and certain road vehicles, IP68 gives the highest rating of enclosure protection against dust and moisture. These enclosures are used in a variety of applications, ranging from factory automation to marine, and from agriculture to wi-fi.
Of course, because they are used in wet environments, IP68 boxes are made of corrosion-resistant materials such as plastic and high-grade die-cast aluminum. Accessories such as screws are made of stainless steel.
How is an IP68 enclosure rating achieved?
The quality of the gasket material is crucial to reliability in an IP68 enclosure, because as the gasket is squeezed it may compress and conform. Over time, the seal may be compromised. Bud uses high-quality silicon gaskets that resist compression and provide a long, leak-free service life. The design of the enclosure is also important. In a typical IP68 enclosure, the gasket sits in a channel in the lid and extends into a matching a channel in the body.
This design maximizes the surface area in contact with the gasket. Most IP and NEMA rated enclosures employ this same design. Of course, the box should be manufactured to tight tolerances and be smooth along the sealing faces. Die-cast aluminum enclosures are milled on their mating surfaces to provide a tight fit. The cover should fit tightly, typically tightened via screws. Models with hinged and latching covers are available, such as these.
Most of Bud’s NEMA- and IP-rated boxes are available for same-day shipping, and nearly all of our NEMA/IP enclosures are in our industry-leading 5-Day Modifications program. Get the exact box you need, including custom cutouts, in only 5 to 6 days.
