IP ratings are standardized by IEC 60529 and describe the level of protection against solid particles and liquids.

The two digits break down as follows:

•        First digit (6): Complete dust-tightness — no dust ingress under any conditions.

•        Second digit (5 or 7): 5 = protection against low-pressure water jets from any direction (rain, splashing). 7 = protection against 30-minute submersion at up to 1 meter depth.

An IP65 camera handles rain, snow, and washing from any direction. It is not designed for submersion. IP67 adds temporary submersion protection — useful if the camera is deployed in a location prone to flash flooding or positioned over water.

Critical caveat: IP ratings assume all port covers (USB, power input, audio) are correctly seated and sealed. A partially-closed port cover on an IP67 camera can allow water ingress that would not occur on a lower-rated camera with ports correctly closed. Always inspect and close all port covers before deployment.