IP53, IP66, IP67 - what do they actually mean?

The IP Code (Ingress Protection) describes what influences a product is protected against.
The first digit stands for protection against foreign objects (like dust), and the second for protection against moisture.

IP53 ("semi-rugged") means:

- IP5X: The device is protected against dust in damaging quantities (dust-protected)
- IPX3: The device is protected against sprayed water at an angle of up to 60° from the vertical

IP66 or IP67 ("fully-rugged") means:

- IP6X: The device is completely protected against dust (dustproof)
- IPX6: The device is protected against strong water jets
- IPX7: The device is protected against temporary submersion (up to 1m for 30min)