Understanding IP Ratings and Neutrik’s Commitment to Outdoor-Ready Connectivity
When installing AV, lighting, or communication systems in environments exposed to dust, moisture, or harsh weather, choosing components with the appropriate Ingress Protection (IP) rating is essential.
At Clark Wire & Cable, we prioritize products that meet the highest standards for reliability—especially when it comes to field connectors. That’s why we proudly recommend Neutrik connectors for professional-grade, outdoor-ready applications.
What Are IP Ratings?
Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, defined under the IEC standard 60529, indicate how well a device or enclosure resists intrusion from solid objects (like dust) and liquids (like water).
IP ratings appear as two-digit codes—e.g., IP65 or IP67—where:
- The first digit refers to protection against solid particles
- The second digit refers to protection against liquids
Common IP Ratings Explained:
| IP Rating | Solid Protection | Liquid Protection |
|---|---|---|
| IP65 | Dust-tight | Low-pressure water jets (from any angle) |
| IP67 | Dust-tight | Temporary immersion (up to 1 meter) |
| IP68 | Dust-tight | Extended immersion (conditions vary) |
⚠️ Note: Higher numbers don’t always mean “better”—they represent different protection types. For example, IP65 may be better suited for spraying environments, while IP67 is ideal for wet submersion conditions.
Why IP Ratings Matter for Neutrik Connectors
Neutrik connectors are engineered for reliability in the harshest environments—from outdoor broadcast to concert touring and industrial control systems. Here’s how they meet or exceed IP standards:
P65 / IP67 / IP68 Options
Neutrik offers products in multiple IP-rated configurations, including:
- IP65: Perfect for stage use and outdoor lighting where water spray is common.
- IP67: Ideal for mobile production and temporary outdoor installations with immersion risk.
- IP68 (on select models): For demanding installations with continuous or prolonged exposure to water.
Rigorously Tested Beyond the Standard
Neutrik doesn’t just claim compliance—they exceed it:
- Extended testing durations
- Additional performance benchmarks
- Enhanced durability checks
This means your system gets true outdoor protection, not just minimal compliance.
Additional Protective Features of Neutrik Outdoor Connectors
Airtightness
Every connector undergoes 100% airtightness testing, ensuring a hermetic seal that protects signal integrity and internal components from dust, debris, and moisture.
UV Resistance
Sunlight degrades plastics over time. Neutrik uses certified F1-rated materials or tests to IEC 62368-1:2018 Ed. 3.0, ensuring long-term durability in sun-exposed applications.
Corrosion Resistance
Outdoor environments can be corrosive—especially near oceans or in industrial zones. Neutrik connectors are subjected to:
- Salt spray testing
Noxious gas exposure
These tests verify resilience against corrosion, again in compliance with IEC 62368-1:2018 Ed. 3.0 standards.
When to Specify IP-Rated Neutrik Connectors
Consider Neutrik’s IP-rated connectors for:
- Outdoor stages and touring rigs
- Field broadcast units
- Permanent outdoor installations
- Harsh industrial environments
- Wet or dusty production areas
By choosing the right IP rating for your application, you reduce the risk of failure, protect your signal path, and extend the life of your infrastructure.
Trust Clark & Neutrik for Outdoor-Ready Connectivity
At Clark Wire & Cable, we recommend Neutrik because of their proven track record in combining rugged design, airtight sealing, UV and corrosion resistance, and true IP compliance.
✔️ Quality.
✔️ Reliability.
✔️ Performance.
Still not sure which IP-rated connector is right for your application?
📞 Contact our team at Clark Wire & Cable—we’ll help you choose the right product for your project’s environment and performance requirements.