Anyone who transports or stores sensitive technology will sooner or later encounter the term IP67. It's frequently mentioned as a quality indicator, sometimes even defined as a requirement. But what exactly does IP67 mean – and, more importantly, is it really enough to simply buy a "waterproof case"?
Experience shows that this is precisely where most mistakes occur. IP67 is important, but rarely the sole solution for waterproof packaging.
What does IP67 actually mean?
The IP67 protection class comes from the international standard IEC 60529. It defines how well an enclosure is protected against the ingress of foreign objects and water.
The first digit indicates protection against dust, the second against water. In the case of IP67, this means complete dust tightness and protection against temporary immersion. Specifically, this means that a system tested accordingly remains watertight for up to 30 minutes at a depth of one meter.
That sounds very clear at first – and is often interpreted exactly that way. In practice, however, the statement needs to be considered in a more nuanced way.
Why IP67 is so relevant in industry
Many applications are significantly more demanding today than they were a few years ago. Devices are transported worldwide, exposed to temperature fluctuations, or used directly outdoors. Rain, splashes of water, and high humidity are therefore part of everyday life.
Especially in fields like medical technology, measurement technology, or even military environments, moisture can quickly become a problem. This isn't just about visible water on the outside. Often, the moisture that forms internally – for example, through condensation during temperature changes – is much more critical.
A suitcase can therefore meet IP67 standards on paper and still cause problems if the overall system is not well thought out.
IP67 is not the same as IP67 – where the differences lie
A common misconception is that IP67 is a universal solution. In fact, the standard only describes a test condition – not the actual application.
A protective case that is watertight under laboratory conditions can be subjected to very different stresses in everyday use. Pressure differences during transport, frequent opening and closing, or mechanical stresses directly affect its watertightness. Furthermore, many products are not simply "submerged in water" but are used in varying environments.
That's precisely why it's not enough to just consider the protection class. The crucial question is always how the product is actually used.
The role of packaging – why a protective case alone is not enough
In practice, it repeatedly becomes apparent that the focus is too heavily on cases. While a waterproof suitcase is an important foundation, it doesn't automatically solve the entire problem.
Only the interplay between the outer shell and the inner lining determines whether a product is truly protected. A poorly designed foam insert, for example, can lead to moisture accumulating inside or components not being adequately secured. Movement during transport further exacerbates this effect.
NOVAPOR addresses precisely this point. Instead of considering individual components, the packaging is developed as a complete system. This means that the case, insert, and application are coordinated – and not developed independently.
What solutions does Novapor offer in the IP67 range?
Different systems are used depending on the application. In many cases, robust plastic cases with integrated seals and pressure equalization are the first choice, especially when equipment is used outdoors. For industrial applications or high-quality presentation solutions, aluminum cases are frequently used, which can also be sealed accordingly.
The crucial difference, however, lies within. NOVAPOR's foam inserts are precisely tailored to each individual product. They not only provide shock absorption but also prevent the product from shifting, thus eliminating any additional stress.
Especially with sensitive electronics or complex assemblies, this point is often more crucial than the outer casing.
A practical example: When IP67 alone is not sufficient
A company in the measurement technology sector was experiencing recurring problems with moisture damage. The devices were transported and stored in supposedly waterproof cases, yet failures occurred regularly. The cause was not obvious water ingress, but rather condensation inside the case.
NOVAPOR analyzed and rebuilt the entire system. In addition to a suitable IP67-rated case, the internal structure was significantly modified. The insert was designed to securely fix the device while simultaneously ensuring air circulation and pressure equalization.
The result was clear: the failures disappeared completely, and service costs were significantly reduced. The decisive factor was not just the protection class, but an understanding of the real-world application.
Which IP protection classes are relevant besides IP67?
This familiarity with the company and its values ensures a seamless start and rapid integration into ongoing projects.
IP67 is a commonly used standard, but not always the optimal choice. In many cases, protection against water jets is sufficient, while other applications require protection against continuous immersion.
Protection classes IP65, IP66, or IP68 therefore also play a role. Which one is appropriate depends heavily on the specific application. There is no general recommendation – and this is precisely where the difference lies between standard solutions and custom-designed packaging.
IP67 is a component – not the solution
IP67 is a clearly defined and important standard. It provides guidance and comparability. At the same time, it should not be considered in isolation. The decisive factor is always the entire system, including the case, its internal components, and its application.
NOVAPOR develops precisely these kinds of systems – not as a standard product, but as a solution for specific requirements. Because in the end, what matters is not the protection class on paper, but whether the product is reliably protected under real-world conditions.