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Read the article →IP67 Explained for Smart Padlocks and Locks
IP67 is quoted constantly and understood rarely. It is two digits covering two different things, and the second digit is the one that gets over-read.
The two digits mean two different things
| First digit 6 | Dust | Complete protection against dust ingress |
|---|---|---|
| Second digit 7 | Water | Immersion in 1 metre of water for 30 minutes |
| Read as | IP6X plus IPX7 | Two independent tests, not one combined claim |
A product can pass the dust test and fail the water test, or the reverse. Writing IP67 means both were tested, which is why the rating is worth asking for in writing rather than reading from a catalogue.
What IP67 is good for
- Rain and storm exposure on an outdoor gate or a container
- High-humidity environments such as a wash-down area or a coastal site
- Dusty workplaces including workshops and warehouses
- Accidental drops into water, such as a canal or a storage tank
What IP67 does not cover
Swipe the table sideways to see the full specification →
| Continuous underwater use | Not covered; IPX7 is a 30 minute test |
|---|---|
| High-pressure washing | Not covered; that needs IP69K |
| Salt water immersion | Not covered by the rating; corrosion is a separate question |
| Steam or chemical cleaning | Not covered by either digit |
| A damaged seal | The rating only holds while the seal is intact |
The battery compartment is the weak point
On a smart padlock the electronics are usually potted or gasketed, and the seal that actually fails is the one around the battery door. It is opened by a person, repeatedly, and it is the part most likely to be refitted badly.
- Check the battery door seal on every battery change
- Replace the seal annually on outdoor units
- Never force the door closed against a misaligned gasket
- Keep a spare set of seals with the maintenance kit
Corrosion is a different question from water ingress
Water ingress and corrosion are governed by different things. The IP rating says water did not get in during the test; the material and the finish decide whether the part survives a coastal atmosphere over years.
Swipe the table sideways to see the full specification →
| Zinc alloy body | 48 hours salt spray, suitable for general outdoor use |
|---|---|
| Brushed finish | 96 hours salt spray |
| PVD coating | 200 hours or more, for high-exposure sites |
| 304 stainless shackle | Over 200 hours, and the right choice near salt water |
A coastal or marine site needs the material answer, not just the IP number. Ask for both, and state the environment when you ask.
The three-layer packing system
Export packing is three layers, each doing a different job. A buyer who asks about packing usually means the outer layer, but the inner two are what stop a finish arriving scratched.
| Inner | PE bag or bubble bag | Dust and surface protection, one unit per bag |
|---|---|---|
| Middle | Foam, pearl cotton or a blister tray | Shock absorption and holding the unit in place |
| Outer | Five-ply corrugated carton | Compression and handling protection in transit |
| Marking | Shipping marks and barcode to your artwork | Checked against the proof before loading |
| Evidence | Packing photographs before dispatch | The last point a packing fault can be corrected cheaply |
What to confirm before ordering
Swipe the table sideways to see the full specification →
| IP rating | Confirmed per model and in writing, not inferred from the family |
|---|---|
| Test basis | Which standard the rating was tested to |
| Battery seal | Whether spare seals are available |
| Finish and material | Chosen against the actual environment |
| Salt spray hours | The figure for the finish you selected |
State the environment when you ask for the rating. A warehouse and a marina need different answers even though both are outdoors.
Buyer Questions
Three questions this guide usually raises.
On this topic
Can I leave an IP67 padlock out in the rain?
Yes. IP67 covers rain and brief immersion. What it does not cover is a high-pressure wash or continuous immersion, and the seal has to stay intact.
Is IP67 the same as waterproof?
No. It means dust-tight and protected against immersion for 30 minutes at 1 metre. Continuous underwater use needs a higher rating.
Why did my outdoor padlock corrode if it is IP67?
Because the rating is about water ingress, not corrosion. In a coastal atmosphere the material and the finish decide that, so ask for the salt spray hours.
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