How to Choose a Waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter | Differences Between IP65/IP67 and Choosing the Right Power Supply for Outdoor/Wet Areas

Explaining the differences between IP65 and IP67 required for selecting a waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter, a list of waterproof and dustproof ratings, and seven items to check for outdoor and wet-area use. Power supply manufacturer UNIFIVE provides a detailed guide. We also introduce standard products compatible with both IP65/IP67 and waterproof connectors.

What Is a Waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter?

A waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter is an AC/DC Power Adapter equipped with a protective structure against the intrusion of water and dust. It is used as a power supply for equipment installed outdoors or used around water.

Using a standard indoor AC/DC Power Adapter outdoors or around water may lead to risks such as failure, electric leakage, heat generation, or poor contact due to the intrusion of moisture or dust. A waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter reduces these risks through features such as a sealed enclosure, cable outlet seals, and waterproof connectors.

Key Point: Waterproof performance is not determined solely by the enclosure of the adapter itself. It is important to evaluate the risk of water intrusion, including the cable outlet, connector joints, and installation method.

How to Read the Waterproof and Dustproof Rating "IP Code"

The standard used to evaluate waterproof and dustproof performance is the IP rating (IP code). It indicates the degree of protection provided by the enclosure of electrical equipment against the intrusion of solid objects and water. This rating is defined by the international standard IEC 60529, and in Japan it is standardized as JIS C 60529 "Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)." JIS C 60529 was established in January 2026, succeeding the long-used JIS C 0920 and aligning the standard number with the international standard.

Of the two digits following "IP," the first digit indicates the level of protection against solid objects and dust, and the second digit indicates the level of protection against water. The higher the number, the greater the level of protection.

Items that have not been evaluated are indicated with "X" instead of a number. For example, "IPX7" specifies only the waterproof rating (second characteristic numeral 7) and means that the dust protection rating has not been evaluated. Note that "X" does not mean "protection level zero" but indicates "not evaluated/no specification."

First Characteristic Numeral: Dust Protection Ratings (0~6)

The first characteristic numeral indicates the level of protection against the ingress of solid objects and dust on a scale of 0~6. Level 5 is referred to as "dust-protected," and the highest level, 6, is called "dust-tight." For waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter, IP65 and IP67, which combine the dust-tight rating of "6" with a waterproof rating, are common.

Second Symbol: List of Waterproof Ratings (0-9)

The second symbol indicates the degree of protection against water ingress on a scale from 0-9. For each rating, specific test methods are defined, such as dripping water, spray, water jets, immersion, and high-pressure high-temperature water. The highest rating, "9", was added in the 2013 revision of IEC 60529 and was officially adopted in Japan under JIS C 60529 established in January 2026.

In the Grade 9 test, hot water at approximately 80°C is sprayed at high pressure from a dedicated nozzle. This grade is referenced in environments where high-pressure and high-temperature cleaning is performed, such as with medical equipment and food machinery. In the automotive industry, a similar rating, "IP69K," based on ISO 20653, is used.

Differences Between IP65 and IP67

Among the specifications for waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter, the most commonly used are IP65 and IP67. Both have the highest dust protection rating of "6 (dust-tight)", but differ in their water protection ratings and test conditions.

The higher rating IP68 (submersible type) indicates protection against continuous immersion in water, but the test conditions such as water depth and duration are specified by the manufacturer for each Products. Even with the same "IP68" rating, the warranty coverage may differ, so be sure to check not only the number but also the specified conditions.

Note: Immersion ratings (IPX7, IPX8) and water jet ratings (IPX5, IPX6) are based on different test methods. A Products rated IP67 is not necessarily resistant to water jets (equivalent to IPX5 or IPX6). In environments where both rain or splashing water and temporary immersion are expected, it is safer to choose a Products that supports both ratings, such as "IP65/IP67".

7 Items to Check When Selecting a Waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter

Judging only by the IP rating number may lead to unexpected problems in actual operating environments. When selecting a product, be sure to check the following seven items.

1. Required Waterproof and Dustproof Rating

Determine the required rating based on the operating environment, such as whether it will mainly be exposed to rain and splashes or there is a possibility of temporary submersion. Also confirm whether the rating applies only to the adapter body or includes the state in which cables and connectors are mated.

2. Output Voltage, Current, and Power (Wattage)

Check the voltage (12V, 24V, etc.) and current required by the equipment. Because waterproof structures seal the enclosure, they are less favorable for heat dissipation, increasing the difficulty of thermal design. Review the relationship between ambient temperature and output power (derating curve) and ensure that the required output can be achieved at the maximum temperature of the actual operating environment.

3. Compliance with Safety Standards and Energy Efficiency Regulations

Compliance with the safety standards of the country or region where the product will be sold is a prerequisite. In Japan, this refers to the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (PSE). Depending on the region, compliance with CE, UKCA, FCC, and energy efficiency regulations for external power supplies (such as US DoE Level VI) may also be required.

4. Operating Temperature Range, Condensation, and Aging Deterioration

The IP rating indicates protection against the ingress of water from outside and does not guarantee resistance to internal condensation, high humidity, or salt damage. In addition, since IP testing is conducted on new products, aging deterioration of gaskets and sealing materials must also be considered. For outdoor use, be sure to check the operating temperature range and resistance to UV exposure as well. In environments where condensation is expected, measures such as applying a moisture-resistant coating (conformal coating) to the circuit board may also be an option.

5. Cable Length, Connectors, and Waterproof Connection Methods

Even if the adapter itself is waterproof, if the waterproof performance and mating structure of the DC-side connector are insufficient, waterproofing cannot be achieved for the entire device. Be sure to consider the required cable length, connector type, and the connection method to the device.

6. Installation and Mounting Methods

For outdoor installation, it is necessary to consider installation methods such as fastening to walls with screws, securing with brackets, and cable routing. It is also important to confirm whether the unit can be installed in a direction that prevents water from running along the cable entry point.

7. Supply Stability for Mass Production and Customization Availability

For embedded applications, long-term stable supply and support for small-lot production are important. It is also advisable to confirm whether future specification changes (such as voltage changes, connector changes, or enclosure changes) can be accommodated and whether customization is possible, so that you can avoid having to reselect components when redesigning the device.

Our Standard Waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter Products (IP65/IP67 Compliant)

We offer waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter products compliant with both IP65 and IP67 ratings in standard 36W and 70W models. Because they meet the test requirements for both water jets (IP65) and temporary immersion (IP67), they are easy to select for outdoor environments where exposure to rain and splashes overlaps with the risk of submersion.

The output configuration is UHCH3036: 12V 3.0A, 15V 2.4A, 19V 1.9A, 24V 1.5A, and UHCH3070: 12V 6.0A, 15V 4.8A, 19V 3.8A, 24V 3.0A. Both feature a waterproof code-to-code design and support screw mounting to walls.

Safety standards and regulations include PSE (Japan), as well as CE, UKCA, FCC, and US DoE Level VI. Energy-saving performance is an average efficiency of 87.40% and no-load power consumption of 0.1W (36W model), and an average efficiency of 88.00% and no-load power consumption of 0.21W (70W model). These adapters are used as power supplies for security cameras, outdoor IoT devices and sensors, equipment used around water, and other outdoor equipment.

Waterproof Connectors Also Available as Standard Lineup

Waterproofing is only achieved when both the adapter body and the connector are waterproof. We offer waterproof connectors, including those manufactured by Hirose Electric, as part of our standard lineup, allowing you to select a waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter and waterproof connector as a set. Since you can consult with us about both the power supply and connectors together, it becomes easier to proceed with waterproof design for the entire device. Compatible model numbers can be checked in the "Supported DC Plugs List".

In addition to waterproof connectors, we support more than 300 types of DC plugs and connection terminals, and we flexibly accommodate changes in cable length and crimping of special terminals.

Our approach to the waterproof rating of our Products is also explained in the FAQ "About the Waterproof Rating of Our AC/DC Power Adapter".

Waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter - View the list of standard products

Custom solutions available if standard products do not meet your needs

If the specifications of our standard products do not suit your operating environment, we can provide custom development. We offer everything from semi-custom solutions based on standard products to full custom development including waterproof structures, enclosures, and circuit design.

• Support for wide temperature ranges (use in low and high temperature environments)
• Design of special connectors, cable specifications, and waterproof connection methods
• Changes to enclosure shape and mounting methods
• Changes to electrical specifications such as output voltage and current
• Design of waterproof structures and implementation of waterproof evaluation tests

Moisture and Dust Protection Coating for Board Power Supplies

Instead of using a sealed enclosure such as a waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter, some configurations adopt an internal board power supply (open-frame power supply) built into the equipment. We have conformal coating facilities for moisture and dust protection of circuit boards at our factory, enabling us to supply coated boards for environments where humidity, condensation, and dust are concerns. We can also provide consultation from the stage of determining whether a waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter or an internal board power supply is the more suitable configuration.

Actual development case studies are introduced in "Full Custom Development Case Study of Waterproof/Dustproof AC/DC Power Adapter" and "Implementation Case Study of Waterproof × Wide-Temperature Support." For other case studies, please see Customization Case Studies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter

If you are considering the selection or custom development of a waterproof AC/DC Power Adapter and would like to determine whether IP67 is sufficient for your environment or consult about waterproof connectors as well, please feel free to contact us at any stage.

Request the Products catalog here