Know Your IP Rating: Choose the Right Power Management Gear for Australian Conditions
— May 21, 2025 | 2 min read
When selecting power management components for your car, 4WD, camper trailer or work ute, the IP rating is one of the most important—and often overlooked—specs to check. Put simply, an IP rating tells you how well a product is sealed against dust and water, which is critical when you're installing gear in harsh or outdoor environments.
At Projecta, we design our products to endure the realities of off-road travel, extreme weather, and mobile work environments. That’s why understanding IP ratings is essential: it helps ensure the components you choose will perform reliably wherever your journey takes you.
What Is an IP Rating?
IP stands for Ingress Protection. It’s an international standard (IEC 60529) that rates how resistant an electrical enclosure is to the intrusion of solid objects (like dust) and liquids (like water or rain). An IP rating is made up of two digits:
- The first digit (0–6) indicates protection against solids (e.g. dust, debris)
- The second digit (0–9) indicates protection against liquids (e.g. splashes, submersion)
- The letter K (in IP69K): Indicates protection against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets, tested from multiple angles
The higher the numbers, the better the protection.
Why IP Ratings Matter for Power Management
Power management components—such as DC-DC chargers and relays —are often installed in engine bays, under vehicle trays, canopies, camper-trailers and caravans. These environments are exposed to dust, splashes, and high-pressure cleaning, making a robust IP rating essential for longevity and safe operation.
With the right IP rating:
- Dust won’t clog vents or ports
- Water won’t short out connections
- Cleaning with a pressure washer won’t damage the system
IP67 vs IP68 vs IP69K
Here’s a breakdown of the most common IP ratings found in rugged power management gear:
| IP Rating | Solid Protection | Water Protection | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP67 | Dust-tight | Temporary submersion up to 1 metre for 30 minutes | Marine use, under-bonnet components |
| IP68 | Dust-tight | Continuous water submersion beyond 1 metre (as defined by manufacturer) | Harsh environments, heavy rain exposure |
| IP69K | Dust-tight | High-pressure, high-temperature water jets from all angles | Industrial washdowns, exposed vehicle mounts, pressure cleans with cold and hot water |
What Is IP69K—and Do You Need It?
IP69K is the highest level of ingress protection available, designed for components that are regularly subjected to intense cleaning and water pressure (including hot water). Projecta components with this rating are perfect for:
- Work utes or trailers that are frequently hosed down
- Dusty or muddy tracks where caked-on dirt needs blasting
- Mining, agricultural or industrial vehicles
With IP69K, you’re getting gear that’s fully sealed and tough enough for the most extreme Aussie conditions.
Examples of Projecta Products with IP68 & 69K Ratings:
- Intelli-Charge 25 Amp Dual Battery Charger | IDC25X | Projecta
- Intelli-Charge 50 Amp Dual Battery Charger | IDC50X
- Projecta Smart Relay - Single Channel 12V/40A, 24V/15A
More about the IoT series here.
Conclusion
When it comes to power management, the IP rating is your insurance policy. It ensures your system will keep running safely, no matter the weather, terrain, or working environment. At Projecta, we engineer our gear with the right level of protection for the job—so you can install with confidence and get on with the adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an IP rating mean?
An IP rating (Ingress Protection rating) indicates how well a product is sealed against solids like dust and liquids like water. The first digit shows solid protection (0–6), and the second shows water protection (0–9). The higher the numbers, the better the protection.
Is IP68 better than IP67?
Yes. While both are dust and watertight, IP68 offers a higher level of water protection than IP67. IP67 allows temporary submersion up to 1 metre for 30 minutes. IP68 supports continuous submersion beyond 1 metre depths, depending on the manufacturer's guidelines.
What is IP69K and how is it different?
IP69K is the highest ingress protection rating available. It goes beyond IP68 by withstanding high-pressure, high-temperature water jets from multiple angles. It is ideal
Do I need an IP69K-rated product for my 4WD or camper trailer?
If your vehicle or setup is regularly exposed to dirt, mud, water, or pressure washing, IP69K-rated products offer the best protection. They’re especially useful in off-road, mining, agricultural, and marine applications.
