In the domain of industrial computing, robust protection against environmental influences is a crucial criterion for operational reliability. At PSB GmbH, we have consistently engineered PC-based solutions that address the demanding requirements of harsh industrial and medical environments. The distinction between IP65 and IP67 protection classes is essential for determining the appropriate level of defense against dust and water ingress. Our extensive experience with both standards enables us to tailor hardware systems to precisely match the real-world conditions our clients face. By focusing on these protection classes, we ensure durability and uninterrupted performance, even in challenging applications. Through our manufacturer-neutral, customer-centric approach, we provide solutions that harmonize with each project’s unique needs.
Understanding IP Ratings: What Do IP65 and IP67 Mean?
Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are global standards that classify and grade the level of protection electrical enclosures provide against solids and liquids. For rugged PCs and industrial computers, IP ratings are a critical indicator of suitability for harsh environments, ensuring sustained performance where water, dust, and other hazards are present. The IP code consists of two digits: the first for solids (such as dust) and the second for liquids (such as water). For example, an IP65 rating means a device is fully dust-tight and protected against water jets, whereas an IP67 rating indicates dust-tightness plus protection against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
This distinction is vital for applications ranging from cleanroom computers to outdoor marine applications, where the environment dictates the required level of ingress protection. As a rule of thumb, the higher the numbers, the greater the environmental resistance of a panel PC or embedded industrial system.
Key Differences: IP65 vs. IP67 in Industrial PCs
IP65: Protection Against Dust and Water Jets
An IP65 PC is classified as dust-tight, offering complete protection against the ingress of dust. Additionally, it is safeguarded against water projected by a nozzle (6.3mm) from any direction, making it suitable for environments where frequent washdowns or exposure to rain and light water sprays are common. However, it is not designed to withstand complete immersion in water.
IP67: Protection Against Dust and Temporary Immersion
An IP67 PC is also dust-tight but extends its protection to temporary immersion in water, up to 1 meter in depth for 30 minutes. This makes it ideal for settings where accidental submersion could occur, such as in marine, food processing, or outdoor installation scenarios where floods or heavy rain are significant risks.
| Feature | IP65 | IP67 |
|---|---|---|
| Dust Protection | Dust-tight | Dust-tight |
| Water Protection | Water jets | Immersion up to 1m |
| Typical Use | Outdoor, industrial washdown | Marine, food processing, heavy rain, immersion |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Application Scenarios: Which IP Rating Is Right for Your Environment?
The choice between an IP65 PC and an IP67 PC depends on the specific requirements of your application and environment. Below are common scenarios and the recommended protection level:
- Outdoor Construction Sites: Exposure to dust and periodic rains suggests an IP65 panel PC is sufficient for withstanding these elements without issues.
- Food & Beverage Processing: Frequent washdowns and high humidity environments can justify an IP67 computer for immersion resistance and hygiene compliance.
- Marine/Offshore Installations: Proximity to seawater, waves, and possible immersion requires the robustness of an IP67 PC.
- Cleanrooms: While minimal water may be used, maintaining a dustproof computer is a priority. An IP65 or even higher is often needed in certified environments, as outlined in solutions like ISO 14644 cleanroom PCs.
- Industrial Automation: Locations exposed to dust and accidental splashes call for a rugged industrial PC with at least an IP65 rating.
Consider other aspects, such as the potential for immersion, chemical exposure, and required cleaning protocols, before making your selection. For flexible, research-intensive work away from traditional labs or offices, mobile, weatherproof workstations — such as those described in mobile workstation solutions for research — may also offer a blend of ingress protection and computing power.
Essential Features of Rugged PCs Beyond IP Ratings
Fanless and Sealed Enclosure Designs
While IP ratings primarily address water and dust ingress, a truly rugged PC boasts additional features. Fanless industrial panel PCs use sealed enclosures that eliminate air circulation between the chassis and the hazardous environment, dramatically reducing the risk of dust intrusion, mechanical failure, or accidental contaminant ingress. The absence of moving parts (like fans) also minimizes wear and tear, lowering lifecycle costs and maintenance needs.
Shock and Vibration Resistance
Industrial computers destined for factories, vehicles, or military environments often require a shockproof PC design. Standards like MIL-STD-810 specify levels of resistance to mechanical shocks, vibration, and impact. Features such as a reinforced chassis, vibration-damped mounts, and solid-state storage help ensure uninterrupted performance, even in challenging environments.
Wide Temperature Operation
Temperature resilience is paramount for any harsh environment computer. Rugged PCs are engineered to operate across a wide range of temperatures, often from -20°C to 60°C or wider, depending on application. This is especially critical in outdoor, marine, or unconditioned industrial spaces. More details on such solutions can be found in our guide to fanless industrial PCs.
Easy Maintenance and Lifecycle Reliability
Reducing downtime is crucial in industrial sectors. Features like modular components, field-replaceable drives, and robust connectivity make for simple, tool-free maintenance. Enclosures designed for easy cleaning – especially in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications – prolong usability and ensure compliance with hygiene standards.
How to Select the Best Rugged PC for Your Needs
Assessing Environmental Hazards
Begin by mapping your deployment location’s physical risks: is there direct exposure to water, risk of immersion, or dry, dust-laden atmospheres? For environments facing only dust and water jets, an IP65 PC often suffices. Where immersion or regular high-pressure washdowns are expected, opt for an IP67 waterproof PC.
Balancing Ruggedization and Performance
Beyond the ingress protection rating, balance your need for processing power with the scope of ruggedization. Applications that require mobile data collection, control interfaces, or system monitoring may call for a robust, fanless panel PC with high IP protection. Those operating in highly stabilized, dust-controlled facilities may prioritize ergonomics and specific certifications, as explained in our cleanroom PC selection guide.
Matching Compliance and Certification
Verify certification against relevant international (IEC/EN), industry (ISO 14644), or military (MIL-STD-810) standards for durability, hygiene, and EMI protection. The more hazardous the environment, the more critical it is to confirm that the PC is not just rated for IP65 or IP67, but also engineered for shock resilience, vibration tolerance, and wide temperature ranges.
FAQ: Common Practical Questions About IP Ratings for Rugged PCs
- Is a higher IP rating always better? Not necessarily. Higher IP ratings like IP67 add cost and may not be needed if your environment is unlikely to experience immersion risks. Define your worst-case scenario before specifying protection.
- Can I use an IP65 PC outdoors? Yes. Most IP65 industrial PCs are designed specifically for outdoor, dusty environments, and are perfectly suited to resist rain and water sprays.
- How important are features beyond IP? Features such as shockproof mounting, fanless operation, and reinforced enclosures are just as vital. Choose based on the total operational risk profile.
- Do IP67 PCs require special maintenance? All waterproof PCs benefit from regular inspection of seals and connectors, especially in high-use or high-washdown applications. Simple, proactive maintenance routines greatly extend operational life.
- Where can I learn more about rugged PC designs? Explore further technical and application guidance in our articles on fanless industrial PCs and cleanroom stainless steel PCs.
Ultimately, the decision between IP65 and IP67 hinges on a careful analysis of the intended application and operating environment. With over three decades of expertise, PSB GmbH has seen firsthand the benefits of selecting the optimal protection class to extend system longevity and minimize downtime. Our rigorous burn-in testing and flexible production processes underpin our reputation for systems that persist under extreme stress. Clients rely on our capabilities not only for compliance with standards, but also for consistent reliability and support throughout the system’s life cycle. We look forward to continuing our work as a dependable partner, developing innovations that set new benchmarks for robust industrial and medical computing.
