Protection class of submersible level transducers

The question about the specifics of the IP68 protection class for our pressure and level transmitters (that is, to what depth these devices can be submerged) is raised infrequently. Nevertheless, this is not only an important but also a question that requires resolution, since unlike most other IP classes, the IP68 class in IEC 60529 has only a general description, not a full specification accompanied by specific values:

1. The first digit – "6" – means that the device has complete protection against dust ingress.
2. The second digit – "8" – means that the device can be used while fully submerged in water.

However, the maximum immersion depth is not defined. Yet defining it would be extremely necessary, as there is a huge difference between using a device at a depth of 1 meter in a closed tank and at a depth of 300 meters at the ocean floor. According to the standard, the manufacturer and user must agree on the specific conditions of use for an IP68 sensor. In any case, devices with IP68 should always be more reliable than devices with IP67, which means the sensor should be suitable for operation at a depth of at least 1 meter.

In practice, this leads to the maximum immersion depth being determined by the application area and varying for different sensors. It ranges from 3 to 300 meters, so completely different depths correspond to the same protection class but depend on the application field.

Therefore, when choosing a level sensor suitable for your task, it is not enough to consider only the presence of the IP68 protection class – you need to make sure that the device can operate at the exact depth required by the conditions of the specific task.

Even the simplest of the level sensors we offer (for example, 26Y) can operate at depths up to 200 meters. And some level meter models, such as 36XW, are designed to operate at depths up to 500 meters. Stable operation at such depths is ensured by the extremely reliable design of the device, as well as the high-quality materials from which both the sensor itself and the level meter cable are made.

If you need to select a level sensor, you can do so in the catalog or by contacting our specialists.