By mnpelectrical Electric Motors

IP66 vs IP67 vs IP68 Motors Explained: Which One is Right for Your Industry?

When it comes to industrial motors, performance isn’t the only thing that matters—protection does, too. Harsh environments, dust, and water can damage motors, leading to costly downtime and repairs. That’s where IP ratings (Ingress Protection ratings) come in.

Many businesses come across terms like IP66, IP67, or IP68 motors, but don’t always know what they mean or how to choose the right one. In this guide, we’ll break down these ratings, compare them, and help you decide which is best for your industry.

What is an IP Rating?

When choosing industrial motors or electrical equipment, you’ll often come across terms like IP66, IP67, or IP68. These are known as IP ratings, short for Ingress Protection ratings.

The IP rating system is defined under the international standard IEC 60529, and it provides a clear, universal way to describe how well electrical enclosures protect against dust, dirt, and water.

In simple terms, an IP rating tells you:

How well a motor is sealed against solid objects like dust, sand, or debris.
How resistant it is to moisture and water, whether that’s rain, splashes, jets of water, or full submersion.

This information is crucial for industries where motors are exposed to harsh environments. Choosing the right IP rating ensures longer equipment life, reduced downtime, and fewer repair costs.

The IP rating has two digits:

The first digit = protection against solids (dust, dirt, debris).
The second digit = protection against liquids (moisture, sprays, submersion).

👉 For example, IP66:

“6” (first digit) = completely dust-tight.
“6” (second digit) = protected against strong water jets.

Here’s a quick overview:

Rating	Dust Protection	Water Protection	Typical Meaning
IP66	Complete	Strong water jets	Dustproof, washdown resistant
IP67	Complete	Temporary immersion (1m/30 min)	Dustproof + waterproof
IP68	Complete	Continuous immersion (depth varies)	Dustproof + fully submersible

Breaking Down IP66, IP67, and IP68 Motors

When selecting motors for industrial, commercial, or outdoor use, understanding the differences between IP66, IP67, and IP68 ratings is crucial. Each of these ratings provides complete dust protection but varies in the level of water resistance. Let’s break it down in detail:

IP66 Motors – Dustproof & Resistant to Powerful Water Jets

Definition:

IP66 motors are fully protected against dust ingress and can withstand powerful jets of water from any direction without harmful effects.

Protection Level:

Dust: Total protection—no particles can enter.
Water: High-pressure jets, typically up to 100 litres per minute at 100 kPa pressure.

Ideal Uses:

Food & Beverage Industry → Motors exposed to daily washdowns in production facilities.
Agriculture → Irrigation systems, crop processing machinery.
Outdoor Installations → Fans, conveyors, HVAC units, exposed factory equipment.

Pros:

Reliable in dusty or wet environments.
Less expensive than IP67 or IP68.

Cons:

Not designed for immersion—cannot survive flooding or submersion.

IP67 Motors – Dustproof & Waterproof Under Temporary Immersion

Definition: IP67 motors provide complete protection against dust and can be temporarily immersed in water (up to 1 metre depth for 30 minutes).
Protection Level: Dust: 100% sealed. Water: Temporary immersion resistance.
Ideal Uses: Marine Applications → Motors used on ships, docks, or near water where splashes and accidental immersion may occur. Wastewater Treatment → Pumps and motors that may occasionally be submerged during overflow. Construction & Outdoor Sites → Heavy-duty equipment exposed to rain, mud, or temporary flooding.
Pros: Added safety against accidental submersion. Suitable for areas prone to heavy rain or flooding.
Cons: More expensive than IP66. Cannot withstand continuous submersion.

IP68 Motors – Dustproof & Submersible for Continuous Operation

Definition: IP68 motors offer the highest level of protection. They are dust-tight and can operate under continuous immersion in water. The exact depth and duration depend on manufacturer specifications.
Protection Level: Dust: Complete seal. Water: Continuous immersion, often beyond 1 metre (can be customised up to 10m or more).
Ideal Uses: Mining & Quarrying → Motors working in harsh, wet, and muddy conditions. Submersible Pumps → Motors that must operate under water continuously. Chemical & Process Plants → Equipment exposed to corrosive, water-heavy environments. Aquatic Centres & Pools → Circulation and filtration pumps.
Pros: Maximum durability in extreme conditions. Long-term reliability even under full submersion.
Cons: Higher cost due to specialised sealing and design. May require more complex maintenance and parts replacement.

IP66 vs IP67 vs IP68: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	IP66	IP67	IP68
Dust Protection	100%	100%	100%
Water Resistance	Powerful water jets	Temporary immersion (1m, 30 mins)	Continuous immersion (depth varies)
Best For	Outdoor/dusty/washdown use	Flood-prone or marine environments	Submersible, extreme conditions
Cost	Lower	Moderate	Higher
Durability	High	Very High	Extreme

Why Do IP Ratings Matter for Motors?

Longevity: Motors exposed to dust and water without proper protection break down faster.
Safety: Prevents short circuits, fire hazards, and electrical failures.
Cost-Efficiency: Right protection reduces repair costs and prevents premature replacement.
Industry Compliance: Many sectors (like food, mining, marine, and chemical processing) require specific IP-rated equipment to meet safety and hygiene standards.

Which Motor Should You Choose?

The right IP rating depends on your operating environment.

✅ Choose IP66 if:

Your motors face dust and strong water jets, but won’t be submerged.
Example: Food manufacturing, agricultural, or outdoor industrial setups.

✅ Choose IP67 if:

There’s a chance of occasional flooding or immersion.
Example: Marine, wastewater, or heavy-duty outdoor applications.

✅ Choose IP68 if:

Your motor will be continuously submerged or exposed to extreme water conditions.
Example: Submersible pumps, mining, or chemical processing.

Pro tip: Over-specifying (choosing IP68 when you only need IP66) may increase costs unnecessarily, while under-specifying could lead to breakdowns and downtime.

Why Trust MNP Electrical?

At MNP Electrical, we don’t just supply motors—we help businesses find the right motor for their unique environment. With over 15 years of expertise in electric motor supply, repair, and rewinding, we:

Provide motors with IP66, IP67, and IP68 ratings tailored to your industry.
Offer fast turnaround motor repair and rewind services.
Are authorised distributors of leading brands (Mecc Alte, Toshiba, Leroy Somer, and more).
Support industries including manufacturing, mining, food processing, healthcare, and power generation.

Our team ensures you’re not just buying a motor—you’re investing in long-term reliability and efficiency.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between IP66, IP67, and IP68 motors is critical for protecting your investment and avoiding costly downtime. Each rating offers different levels of dust and water protection, so choosing the right one depends on your environment and application.

Looking for expert advice on selecting the right IP-rated motor? Contact MNP Electrical today for tailored solutions in motor supply, repair, and rewinding.