When selecting an electric linear actuator, most people focus on force, stroke length, and speed. But for outdoor environments—such as RVs, awnings, marine equipment, yachts, deck hatches, and other exterior structures—the real factor that determines lifespan and reliability is often overlooked: the IP protection rating.
Moisture, dust, salt, and corrosion are the true killers of outdoor actuators. Choosing the right IP rating can easily double or triple the working life of your actuator.
In this article, we’ll explain what IP ratings mean, why they matter, and how ANTUATOR provides high-IP linear actuators specifically engineered for outdoor use.
An IP Rating (Ingress Protection Rating) is an international standard used to define how well electrical equipment is protected against solids and liquids.
It consists of two digits:
First digit (0–6): Protection against dust and solid particles
Second digit (0–9K): Protection against water
Example: IP67
6 = Completely dust-tight
7 = Suitable for short-term immersion in water
Simply put, the higher the numbers, the stronger the protection.
Outdoor actuators face far more stress than indoor devices. Beyond load and mechanical wear, they must endure:
Rain, splashes, and condensation
Dust, sand, and debris
Salt spray in marine environments
Mud, humidity, and corrosion
Sudden temperature changes
Many actuator failures—such as jamming, corrosion, short circuits, and reduced torque—are caused not by mechanical issues, but by water ingress and dust intrusion.
Choosing the right IP rating is like giving your actuator a protective armor.
Below are the IP levels most commonly used in outdoor applications.
Fully dustproof
Resistant to low-pressure water jets
Suitable for:
RV awnings
Outdoor shading systems
Light outdoor equipment
IP65 can handle rain and splashes in most environments.
Provides stronger resistance to powerful water jets compared to IP65.
Suitable for:
RV roof structures
Motorhome pop-up roofs
Outdoor machinery exposed to heavy rainfall
IP66 offers an extra layer of reliability for devices fully exposed to the weather.
Allows immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
IP67M is often used for marine or high-humidity environments
Ideal for:
RV undercarriage mechanisms
Marine applications
Equipment exposed to flooding or standing water
This is a common choice for premium outdoor projects.
Offers protection for deeper or longer water immersion than IP67.
Recommended for:
Flood-prone areas
Marine systems with occasional submersion
Outdoor installations in harsh weather environments
Only IP67 and IP68 allow immersion, but IP68 provides the highest practical level of consumer-grade waterproofing.
The highest protection level currently available.
Withstands high-pressure, high-temperature water jets
Used in the most demanding outdoor and industrial environments
IP69K requires advanced sealing technology and top-grade manufacturing standards.
At ANTUATOR, we specialize in pen-style, compact electric linear actuators engineered for outdoor use.
Our actuators are available in multiple IP-level configurations:
With slim form factors, durable sealing structures, and long operating lifecycles, ANTUATOR actuators are widely applied in:
RV pop-up roof lifting systems
Camper roof actuators
Marine hatches, trim tabs, and yacht accessories
Outdoor awnings and shading systems
Jet skis, fishing boats, and outdoor equipment
We customize IP ratings based on your real-world environment—so your actuator matches your application, not the other way around.
Choosing the correct IP rating is the key to ensuring long-term performance in outdoor environments. Whether your application faces rain, dust, immersion, or high-pressure cleaning, there is a suitable IP grade that can significantly extend your actuator’s service life.
If you are developing an outdoor project and need a reliable waterproof actuator, ANTUATOR provides high-IP linear actuators built for extreme environments.
Feel free to contact us for customized solutions.
