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"Waterproof" means nothing by itself — the IP rating is what tells you how waterproof. Here's how to read it without a reference sheet. ## The two digits An IP rating is two numbers. The first digit is solid protection (dust, fingers, tools), the second is liquid protection. So IP67 means "dust-tight, and survives immersion in shallow water for a while". ## The numbers you'll actually see - **IP65** — protected against low-pressure water jets. Fine for rain-splashed outdoor gear. - **IP67** — dust-tight, survives temporary immersion up to 1 metre for 30 minutes. The workhorse for outdoor and marine. - **IP68** — dust-tight, continuous immersion, depth and duration set by the manufacturer. For things that live underwater. - **IP69K** — the steam-jet rating for food and vehicle wash-down. ## What makes a connector waterproof It's not one seal, it's the whole design: a gasket on the mating face, an O-ring on the back where the cable enters, and a locking mechanism that compresses those seals evenly. Cheap connectors skip the back seal, which is exactly where water gets in. ## Choosing one Match the rating to the worst case, not the average. A connector that's IP67 on the bench may fail in a month on a boat that sees constant spray. Circular M12 and M8 connectors are the usual go-to because they seal and lock in one move. We carry IP67 and IP68 circular connectors and IP67 solar connectors, with standard and custom cable assemblies. ## Related reading

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