What Does IP68 Actually Mean for Electric Actuators?

9 hours ago

5 min read

An electric actuator often operates next to a wastewater channel. It might also work under an open pipe rack or inside a wet pump station. In these places, water and dirt can easily damage internal electrical parts. Because of this risk, buyers frequently request an IP68 electric actuator. However, this rating by itself fails to show the maximum submersion depth. It also leaves out the allowed time underwater. You must understand the exact test conditions to avoid dangerous mistakes.

What Do the Numbers in IP68 Mean for Electric Actuators?

The First Digit 6: Dust-Tight Protection

Based on the IEC 60529 standard, the initial number defines defense against physical contact and solid objects. The number 6 indicates a completely dust-tight design. This means no dust can breach the casing during the official testing process. For factories and dirty outdoor locations, this barrier keeps sensitive terminals and inner parts safe.

The Second Digit 8: Water Immersion Protection

The second digit measures protection against harmful water ingress. Under IEC 60529, an 8 covers continuous immersion under specified conditions more severe than IPX7. It does not set a universal depth or duration. The enclosure must prevent harmful effects from water ingress under those conditions. IP68 does not guarantee that the actuator can run underwater.

Why Does IP68 Not Specify a Fixed Water Depth or Duration?

How IEC 60529 Defines IPX8 Test Conditions

IEC 60529 does not prescribe one depth or duration for IPX8. Unless a relevant product standard specifies otherwise, the manufacturer and user agree on test conditions that exceed IPX7 and account for continuous immersion in service.

Buyers should request test conditions and results for the exact actuator and enclosure. Confirm immersion depth, duration, cable entries, and acceptance criteria. IP68 alone does not prove suitability for the site.

IP67 vs IP68: Why Actual Test Conditions Matter

Rating	Water exposure	What the buyer should verify
IP67	Temporary immersion for 30 minutes under standardized IPX7 conditions	Whether the installed conditions are covered by the tested protection level
IP68	Continuous immersion under specified IPX8 conditions more severe than IPX7	The tested depth, duration, enclosure configuration, and acceptance criteria

Imagine a deep valve pit that fills with water for many hours following a storm. The main issue is not just if IP68 beats IP67. Instead, you need to know if the official testing parameters actually match your real flooding scenario.

How Does AOITEC Verify IP68 Electric Actuator Protection?

IP68 as Standard on AOITEC Models

Here at AOITEC, we provide an IP68 casing rating as a basic feature. Our Ulli series manages simple on/off quarter-turn tasks. Meanwhile, our Digicon series offers advanced modulating valve control and position feedback. Both product groups deliver between 50 and 6,000 Nm of torque based on our latest data sheets.

We likewise demand IP68 protection for our BLDC, SuperCap Failsafe, SAFE, and V-Series actuators. The Ulli lineup features tough die-cast aluminum alloy shells. These shells include a thick epoxy powder finish and standard ISO 5211 mounting bases. The Digicon system easily takes standard control signals, including 4–20 mA and 0–10 V. Please remember that a strong outer shell has no connection to internal control accuracy.

AOITEC’s 5 m / 25 h Immersion Test: Evidence Buyers Should Examine

AOITEC’s IPX8 test requirements follow IEC 60529:2013 and specify 25 hours of immersion, with the enclosure’s lowest point 5 m below the water surface. The unpackaged, non-operating specimen is fully immersed in its specified service position. Water temperature must remain within 5 K of the equipment temperature. The complete report should identify:

1. The exact actuator model, enclosure configuration, and cable-entry sealing arrangement tested.

2. The recorded 5 m / 25 h immersion conditions, specimen orientation, and temperature conditions.

3. The inspection findings, acceptance criteria, and final pass or fail result.

What Does IP68 Protection Mean in Real-World Installations?

Why Cable Entries and Seals Matter After Installation

The enclosure, including covers and gaskets as well as cable entries, must be sealed correctly to obtain an IP68 performance. Choose the right cable glands, clean sealing surfaces and securely fasten covers as per instructions. Repairs can also affect seals; they could be knocked out of location or may even become damaged, leading to loss in water resistance with a configuration that was working at the time it returned from the factory. Rework can displace or destroy seals, which may reduce water resistance even if the original factory-tested configuration passed.

Does IP68 Also Cover Pressure Washing and Corrosion?

Not automatically. Immersion (IPX8) and water jets are tested separately under IEC 60529. IPX5 and IPX6 cover water jets; IPX9 represents high-pressure, high-temperature jetting. IP68 by itself does not define these ratings or resistance to salt spray and chemical corrosion. The condition of the housing, coatings, and seals is generally reviewed for tough cleansing or corrosive conditions.

A few examples of this are, we delivered a lot several Ulli actuators to make dirty wastewater valves automatically. To do this, many clients use our Ulli-25S units; one such job was designed. Our practical field experience in this area is evidenced by that previous success. However, it does not make a universal promise for unlimited underwater usage. Site managers have to assess local water chemicals, daily cleaning patterns, and tiny mounting particulars where you will be.

How Should Buyers Evaluate an IP68 Quarter Turn Electric Valve Actuator?

A Practical Checklist for Electric Valve Actuator Procurement

Prior to buying any electric valve actuator for a damp site, carefully review these four points:

1. Water threat: Will the machine face normal rain, brief puddles, or deep, long-term soaking?

2. Paper proof: Does the lab document actually match the quoted machine and your specific site needs?

3. Setup quality: Will the chosen wire glands, rubber rings, and physical mounting angle maintain the casing defense?

4. Mechanical job: Do the power needs, turning force, and control style fit the daily process?

For an open-air pipe skid, these practical details hold much more weight than a simple rating badge. Customers can easily measure our actuator ranges against their strict project rules.

Meet AOITEC at Valve World Expo Düsseldorf 2026

AOITEC will attend Valve World Expo 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany, on December 1–3. Valve manufacturers, distributors, and engineering teams can contact us to discuss IP68 protection, immersion test evidence, and upcoming electric valve actuator projects.

FAQ

Q: What does IP68 mean for an electric valve actuator?

A: IP68 means a dust-tight enclosure and protection against harmful water ingress under specified immersion conditions. It sets no universal depth or duration and does not guarantee underwater operation. Always check the model-specific report.

Q: How deep can an IP68 electric actuator be submerged?

A: There is no universal limit. AOITEC’s stated conditions specify 5 m for 25 h, measured to the enclosure’s lowest point. Confirm the tested model and final result before applying these figures.

Q: Is an IP68 quarter turn electric actuator better than an IP67 actuator?

A: IPX8 requires more severe immersion conditions than IPX7, but the tested depth, duration, and installation sealing still determine suitability for a particular site.

Q: Can an IP68 electric valve actuator withstand high-pressure washing?

A: Not automatically. Immersion and water-jet resistance require different tests. Request separate IPX5/IPX6 or IPX9 evidence if high-pressure washing is expected.

Q: Who are the top electric valve actuator manufacturers to compare for IP68 applications?

A: Compare model-specific IP68 test conditions; comparison of control features yet to be uniquely tied together by AUMA, Rotork and Bernard Controls below, as well as local support from AOITEC. It does not mean that the actuators were tested at identical depths or durations simply because both would carry an IP68 mark. IP68 markings that are identical do not mean the actuators were both tested at the same depths or times.