DIRECT ANSWER / 01
IP68 alone does not specify an outdoor fibre connection
For IP68 selection, confirm the standard, assembly revision, mating state, sealing boundary and specific test conditions, then review optical and mechanical requirements. A rating is not a guarantee for every depth, duration, unmated state or outdoor environment.
Apply this to outdoor equipment, industrial networks and panel feedthroughs. IEC 60529 provides enclosure-protection classification; Bulgin’s 6000-series information explicitly ties its rating to the mated state. Read the selected product conditions rather than transferring another product’s values. ARRANEX project conditions and validation records require separate confirmation.
SELECTION MATRIX / 02
Purchasing decision matrix
| Item | Identify | Correct action | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service state | Mated, capped, unmated or under maintenance | Define each state and required evidence | Extending a mated rating to an exposed port |
| Installation boundary | Panel, seals, locking and cable outlet | Approve the assembly drawing and sealing boundary | Specifying only the housing |
| Test conditions | Method, medium, depth or pressure and duration | Request configuration-specific reports and criteria | Replacing test conditions with an IP68 label |
| Outdoor exposure | Temperature, UV, salt mist, chemicals and vibration | Review additional exposures separately | Assuming IP68 covers every environmental risk |
| Optical interface | LC/MPO, end face, fibre and mapping | Accept sealing and optical path separately | Treating a locked housing as optical acceptance |
RFQ INPUTS / 03
Minimum inputs a supplier can verify
| Category | Required input or confirmation |
|---|---|
| Site conditions | Location, service state, exposure and maintenance |
| Assembly inputs | Panel drawing, cutout, mating parts, cable diameter, locking and sealing boundary |
| Validation requirements | Required protection conditions, report revision, optical tests and change rules |
BUYER FAQ / 04
Purchasing FAQ
Does IP68 mean permanent underwater operation?
Do not conclude that from the label alone. Read product and test conditions and confirm they cover service conditions.
Is the connector protected when unmated?
Only evidence covering that state supports the claim. Confirm caps, installation and corresponding tests.
Why confirm cable diameter?
The cable outlet is part of the sealing boundary; use the approved cable and seal configuration.
Should salt mist and UV be reviewed separately?
Define them from site needs; an IP label does not prove these exposures were validated.
Can a catalogue rating be copied into an order?
First confirm the exact model, assembly and test conditions. Another brand’s data is not ARRANEX evidence.
SOURCES / 05
Sources and applicability
Sources checked: 2026-10-01. This guide clarifies purchasing fields; it does not replace current equipment data sheets, full standards or the approved project drawing.