What Does IP68 Really Mean? Bollard Waterproof & Dustproof Explained
What Is IP Rating?
IP (Ingress Protection) rating is an IEC standard measuring equipment enclosure protection against solids and water. Format: IPXX — first digit for dust (0-6), second digit for water (0-9).For example, IP23 blocks medium solids like fingers and resists light spraying; IP54 means dust-protected and splash-proof. Higher digits mean stronger protection with stricter test conditions for different scenarios.
What IP68 Means
First digit 6 means "dust-tight" — no dust ingress, the highest level. Second digit 8 means continuous immersion under specified conditions. For PROCOLUM bollards: internal circuits won't be damaged during floods, groundwater around cylinders won't affect operation, and column surfaces can be pressure-washed.Note that IP68 is not 'permanent immersion' — it means continuous immersion under manufacturer-specified conditions. PROCOLUM validates at 1.5m submersion for 72 continuous hours at the factory, far exceeding normal outdoor extremes.
IP68 vs IP66/IP67
IP66 protects against powerful water jets but not immersion. IP67 allows 1m immersion for 30 minutes. IP68 extends beyond both. PROCOLUM control systems use IP66 since cabinets are wall-mounted indoors — sufficient for outdoor spray and dust environments.Choose by installation and climate: buried cylinders in flood-prone sites need IP68; indoor components like control cabinets and push-button boxes only need IP66, with IP67 as optional redundancy for premium projects.
Why Outdoor Bollards Need IP68
Underground cylinders face prolonged water exposure during rainy seasons. Inadequate protection causes motor shorts, oil emulsification, and board corrosion. PROCOLUM uses multiple seals — flange rings, waterproof cable connectors, and drainage systems — ensuring reliable operation in extreme humidity.IP68 also covers dust: particles entering hydraulic systems accelerate wear and cause seal failure. In dusty industrial parks and construction sites, the dust-tight rating matters equally.