IP67 vs IP68 Underwater Light: Key Differences

The important point is that IP68 is not simply "a little more waterproof" than IP67. The ratings represent different immersion test requirements.

Is IP68 Always Better Than IP67?

Not necessarily.

This is an important point for lighting buyers.

If a fixture is installed:

• Under an outdoor roof

• Beside a fountain

• In a garden

• Near a pool

• In an area exposed to rain

• In a location where water may occasionally splash

you may not need an IP68 fixture.

An IP67 product may be appropriate if the fixture is not intended for continuous underwater operation and its application specification supports the installation.

However, if the fixture is:

• Permanently underwater

• Inside a fountain basin

• Inside a swimming pool

• Installed inside a pond

• Submerged in a water feature

then IP68 is generally the more appropriate specification to investigate.

The key question is not:

"Which IP rating is higher?"

It is:

"Will the fixture remain underwater during normal operation?"

When Should You Choose an IP67 LED Light?

IP67 can be considered for applications where the fixture may experience rain, splashing or temporary immersion but is not designed for permanent submersion.

Typical applications can include:

Outdoor Landscape Lighting

Fixtures installed in areas exposed to rain but not normally underwater.

Fountain Surroundings

Lighting installed outside the water basin.

Poolside Lighting

Fixtures installed around the pool rather than inside the water.

Wet Landscape Areas

Locations where temporary flooding or water exposure may occur.

Temporary Water Exposure

Applications where accidental immersion may happen but continuous underwater operation is not required.

The actual product datasheet and installation instructions should always be checked before specification.

When Should You Choose an IP68 LED Underwater Light?

IP68 is the more relevant choice when the fixture is designed to remain underwater.

Typical applications include:

Fountain Lighting

Underwater fountain fixtures can be exposed to continuous water pressure.

Swimming Pool Lighting

Pool fixtures may remain submerged for long periods.

Landscape Ponds

Pond lighting can involve continuous immersion.

Waterfalls

Fixtures installed directly inside water can require higher immersion protection.

Water Features

Architectural water walls and decorative water features may require permanent underwater operation.

For these applications, don't just ask:

"Is it IP68?"

Also ask:

"What is the specified maximum installation depth?"

IP68 Does Not Mean Unlimited Underwater Depth

This is one of the most important points for buyers.

An IP68 rating does not automatically mean:

"The fixture can be installed at any depth."

IP68's exact immersion conditions are specified by the manufacturer. One IP68 product may be tested for one depth and duration, while another product may have a different specification.

Therefore, when buying an IP68 underwater light, request:

• IP68 test conditions

• Maximum installation depth

• Recommended operating depth

• Cable specification

• Connector specification

• Installation instructions

For example, a manufacturer may specify:

IP68 – Max. 3m underwater

That is much more useful information than simply saying:

IP68 Waterproof

IP Rating Is Not the Only Factor in Underwater Lighting

A common mistake is to think that:

IP68 = completely safe and suitable for every underwater project.

It is not that simple.

An underwater lighting system also depends on:

• Housing material

• Cable quality

• Cable gland

• Waterproof connector

• Sealing structure

• Lens

• O-ring

• Power supply

• Installation method

• Water chemistry

• Water depth

A fixture can have a strong IP rating but still perform poorly if the cable connection or installation is incorrect.

This is why the complete lighting system needs to be considered.

IP68 Underwater Light for Fountain Projects

Fountains are one of the most common applications for IP68 underwater lighting.

A fountain light may be continuously exposed to:

• Water

• Water pressure

• Splashing

• Humidity

• Chemicals

• Temperature changes

For permanent underwater fountain installations, an IP68 fixture is generally the appropriate specification to investigate.

However, the correct product also depends on:

• Fountain depth

• Water jet height

• Beam angle

• Wattage

• Color

• Control system

For example:

IP68 + DC24V + RGB + 30° beam

can be considered for a dynamic RGB fountain application.

For a commercial fountain:

IP68 + RGBW + DMX512

can provide more advanced color and scene control.

IP68 Underwater Light for Swimming Pools

Swimming pools create a different environment from decorative fountains.

The fixture can be exposed to:

• Continuous immersion

• Water pressure

• Chlorinated water

• Cleaning chemicals

• Temperature changes

Therefore, product selection should consider both IP protection and material compatibility.

For pool projects, ask the manufacturer about:

• IP68 rating

• Maximum depth

• Housing material

• Lens material

• Cable

• Connector

• Chemical/environmental compatibility

• Applicable local electrical requirements

IP68 should be treated as one part of the overall specification, not the entire safety assessment.

IP67 vs IP68 for Landscape Ponds

Landscape ponds can have different requirements.

If the light is installed:

Above the water

IP67 may be sufficient depending on exposure.

If the light is installed:

Permanently underwater

IP68 is generally more appropriate.

For ponds, also consider:

• Freshwater environment

• Algae

• Sediment

• Water clarity

• Cleaning requirements

• Fixture accessibility

A good pond lighting design should provide both visual quality and practical maintenance access.

IP67 vs IP68 for Waterfalls

Waterfalls are slightly more complicated.

A fixture installed:

Beside the waterfall

may only require protection against rain and splash.

A fixture installed:

Directly inside the water

will have a different requirement.

Therefore, don't specify all waterfall lighting as IP67 or all waterfall lighting as IP68.

First determine the fixture's exact position.

Does IP68 Affect LED Underwater Light Price?

Generally, a product engineered and tested for continuous underwater operation may cost more than a comparable fixture intended only for temporary immersion or splash exposure.

This can be related to:

• Housing design

• Sealing

• Cable entry

• Waterproof connectors

• Testing

• Materials

• Manufacturing process

However, choosing IP68 simply because it is "better" may not be the most cost-effective solution.

The correct approach is:

Application → Required Protection → Product Specification → Cost

rather than:

Highest IP rating → Highest price → Automatically best product

IP67 vs IP68: Which One Should You Choose?

A simple decision process is:

Is the fixture normally above water?

Yes → IP67 may be sufficient, depending on the exposure and product specification.

Is the fixture occasionally submerged?

Yes → IP67 may be considered if the temporary immersion conditions are suitable.

Is the fixture permanently underwater?

Yes → Choose an IP68 product specified for continuous immersion.

Is the fixture installed in a deep fountain or pool?

Yes → Check the manufacturer's specified IP68 depth before ordering.

Is the water chemically treated or salty?

Yes → Check housing material, cable, seals and environmental compatibility in addition to IP rating.

What Should You Ask an LED Underwater Light Manufacturer?

When comparing suppliers, don't only ask:

"Is your light IP68?"

Ask more detailed questions.

1. What is the IP68 test condition?

Ask for the test depth and duration.

2. What is the maximum installation depth?

This is especially important for fountains and pools.

3. What material is the housing?

For example:

• Stainless steel

• Aluminum

• Brass

4. What cable is used?

Ask about:

• Cable specification

• Cable length

• Waterproof construction

5. What connector is supplied?

The connector should be appropriate for the underwater installation.

6. Is the product available in DC24V?

This may be useful for low-voltage landscape lighting systems.

7. Is RGB/RGBW available?

Important for decorative fountains and architectural water features.

8. Can it support DMX512?

Important for commercial and programmable fountain projects.

IP68 + DC24V for Outdoor Water Features

For many landscape water-feature projects, buyers may also compare:

IP68 + DC24V

with other electrical configurations.

DC24V underwater lighting can be considered when the project's electrical design calls for a low-voltage lighting system.

A typical system may be:

AC Power

↓

DC24V Power Supply

↓

Controller

↓

IP68 LED Underwater Lights

For RGB/RGBW projects, the control system can be integrated into the overall lighting architecture.

However, the final voltage, power supply, cable sizing and protection must comply with the project's applicable electrical requirements.

IP68 + RGB + DMX512 for Commercial Fountains

For a commercial fountain, IP68 protection is only one part of the solution.

A typical dynamic lighting system could include:

IP68 Underwater Light

RGB/RGBW

DC24V

DMX512

This configuration can allow the lighting designer to create:

• Color changing

• Color gradients

• Fading

• Sequential effects

• Zone control

• Event scenes

• Music-synchronized effects

The IP rating protects the fixture from water ingress under its specified conditions.

The RGB/RGBW system determines the color capability.

DMX512 determines how compatible fixtures are controlled.

These are different specifications and should not be confused.

IP67 vs IP68 Underwater Light Comparison

* Always verify the manufacturer's specified IP68 immersion depth and duration.

Common Mistakes When Choosing IP67 or IP68

Mistake 1: Assuming IP67 Can Be Used Permanently Underwater

IP67 is intended for temporary immersion under its defined test conditions. It should not automatically be treated as a permanent underwater rating.

Mistake 2: Assuming Every IP68 Product Has the Same Depth

IP68 conditions are manufacturer-specified.

Always check the actual depth and duration.

Mistake 3: Looking Only at the IP Rating

Cable, connector, housing and installation quality also matter.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Water Chemistry

Pool chemicals and saltwater can affect material selection.

Mistake 5: Using the Same Specification for Every Location

A light installed beside a fountain has different requirements from one permanently submerged inside the fountain.

Why Choose IP68 LED Underwater Lights for Professional Projects?

For professional fountain, pool and landscape water-feature projects, IP68 can provide the appropriate starting protection level when fixtures are designed for continuous underwater operation.

At Always Lighting, underwater lighting configurations can be selected according to project requirements, including:

• IP68 protection

• DC24V

• RGB

• RGBW

• DMX512

• Stainless steel housing

• Different beam angles

• Different wattages

• Different cable lengths

These configurations can be considered for:

• Landscape fountains

• Hotel fountains

• Resort water features

• Swimming pools

• Landscape ponds

• Waterfalls

• Commercial plazas

• Architectural water features

For project quotations, customers can provide:

Water depth + Fountain dimensions + Installation location + Beam angle + Required color + Voltage + Control system

This allows the manufacturer to recommend a more suitable configuration.

Conclusion

So, IP67 vs IP68 Underwater Light — which one should you choose?

The answer depends on how the fixture will be used.

Choose IP67 when:

• The fixture is primarily exposed to rain or splash.

• Temporary immersion may occur.

• The fixture is not intended for permanent underwater operation.

Choose IP68 when:

• The fixture will remain underwater.

• It is installed inside a fountain basin.

• It is used as a swimming pool underwater light.

• It is installed in a pond or permanent water feature.

• Continuous immersion is part of the normal application.

But remember:

IP68 does not mean unlimited underwater depth.

Always check the manufacturer's specified immersion depth, duration and installation conditions.

For professional landscape lighting, the best approach is to evaluate:

IP Rating + Water Depth + Housing Material + Cable + Connector + Voltage + Beam Angle + Lighting Control

rather than choosing a fixture based on the IP number alone.

For most permanently submerged LED fountain, pool and landscape lighting applications, an appropriately specified IP68 LED Underwater Light is the more suitable choice.

FAQ

Is IP67 suitable for underwater lights?

IP67 provides protection against temporary immersion under defined test conditions. It should not automatically be specified for permanent underwater operation.

Is IP68 better than IP67 for fountain lights?

For permanently submerged fountain lights, IP68 is generally the more appropriate rating because it is intended for continuous immersion under manufacturer-specified conditions.

What is the difference between IP67 and IP68?

Both provide dust-tight protection. IP67 covers temporary immersion under defined conditions, while IP68 is for continuous immersion under conditions specified by the manufacturer.

Can IP67 underwater lights be used in a swimming pool?

For permanent underwater installation, IP67 is generally not the appropriate specification. A properly specified IP68 fixture should be considered, together with applicable local pool electrical requirements.

Can IP68 underwater lights be used in fountains?

Yes, IP68-rated fixtures specifically designed for continuous underwater use are commonly considered for fountain applications.

Does IP68 mean the light can be installed deeper than 1 meter?

Not automatically. The manufacturer must specify the actual immersion conditions for its IP68 product.

Is IP68 enough for saltwater applications?

Not necessarily. Saltwater also requires appropriate housing, sealing, cable and corrosion-resistant materials. Check the manufacturer's environmental specification.

Is DC24V IP68 underwater lighting available?

Yes. DC24V configurations can be designed for suitable underwater lighting systems, depending on the product and project requirements.

Can IP68 underwater lights use RGB and DMX512?

Yes. Compatible IP68 RGB/RGBW fixtures can be integrated with DMX512 control systems for commercial fountain and architectural water-feature projects.

What should I check besides IP68?

Check maximum installation depth, test conditions, housing material, cable, connector, power supply, beam angle, wattage and compatibility with the actual water environment.

Related product

https://www.always-lighting.com/led-underwater-light/led-underwater-light/

https://www.always-lighting.com/led-underwater-light/ip68-submersible-led-light/

Related Application

https://www.always-lighting.com/Applications/swimming-pool-underwater-lighting-solutions/