IP66 vs IP67 Camera Rating: What the Weatherproof Numbers Mean

IP66 resists driving rain and dust (enough for any wall camera); IP67 adds short immersion for low-mounted gear. A rated camera is only as sealed as its cable entry.

Published 2026-08-14

IP66 vs IP67 Camera Rating: What the Weatherproof Numbers Mean

IP ratings tell you how well a camera resists dust and water. For outdoor CCTV the two numbers you see are IP66 and IP67 — and the difference is smaller than the marketing suggests.

What the digits mean

The first digit is dust (6 = fully dust-tight). The second is water: 6 = powerful jets from any direction, 7 = immersion up to 1m for 30 min. Both keep rain, hose-down and dust out completely.

IP66 is enough for almost all cameras

A wall- or pole-mounted camera never sits in standing water, so IP66 (jets) covers every real weather case. Our IP66 outdoor PoE switch and most cameras use it. Add a rain cover to cut lens glare and thermal stress.

IP67 where water can pool

IP67 matters for gear that could be briefly submerged or splashed from below — low-mounted supplies, ground boxes. Our waterproof 12V supply is IP67 so an unsheltered power end survives puddles.

Don't forget the rest of the run

A rated camera is only as weatherproof as its cable entry. Seal the Cat6 entry with silicone, and mount with a bracket that hides and protects the cable.

Frequently asked

Is IP67 better than IP66 for a security camera?

For a wall-mounted camera, no — IP66 already resists driving rain and dust completely. IP67 only adds short immersion protection, which matters for low-mounted or ground-level gear, not the camera itself.

Do I need IP67 if the camera is under an eave?

No. Under an eave, IP66 is more than enough. Save IP67 for accessories (like a ground-level power supply) that could sit in water.

Are SurveilForge accessories compatible with Hikvision, Dahua and Axis cameras?

Yes — they follow open surveillance standards (IEEE 802.3af/at PoE, RJ45, BNC, DC 12V/24V) and work with any brand using those standards, including Hikvision, Dahua and Axis. SurveilForge is an independent brand, not affiliated with any camera OEM.