The DS18B20 IP68 Waterproof Temperature Sensor is a rugged, submersible temperature probe designed for accurate digital temperature measurement in wet, harsh, and outdoor environments. Unlike the bare DS18B20 TO-92 sensor—which cannot be submerged—this probe encapsulates the original Maxim DS18B20 chip inside a stainless steel sheath filled with sealing compound, delivering reliable performance in water tanks, aquariums, hydroponic systems, and industrial process monitoring .
At the heart of the probe is the Maxim DS18B20 digital thermometer, which provides 9-bit to 12-bit selectable resolution and a measurement range of -55°C to +125°C. Accuracy is ±0.5°C over the critical -10°C to +85°C range, making it suitable for precise environmental and process control . The 1-Wire interface requires only one data line (plus power and ground) for communication, and each sensor carries a unique 64-bit serial code, allowing multiple probes to share a single microcontroller pin—ideal for distributed temperature sensing across large areas or multi-zone systems .
The IP68-rated stainless steel housing (approximately 6mm diameter) protects the sensor from water ingress, corrosion, and physical damage, making it suitable for continuous submersion in fresh water. The 1-meter PVC-jacketed cable provides flexible placement, with standard wire colors: Red for VCC, Yellow for DATA, and Black for GND . The probe operates from 3.0V to 5.5V, compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, STM32, and other microcontrollers .
Important Note: While the probe is IP68 waterproof and suitable for fresh water, it is not intended for salt water or other corrosive liquids . The PVC cable jacket is rated for temperatures up to approximately 100°C; for higher-temperature applications, a probe with a PTFE or silicone cable is recommended. A 4.7kΩ pull-up resistor between the DATA and VCC lines is required for reliable 1-Wire communication—many breakout adapters include this resistor, but verify your setup . For Arduino, the OneWire and DallasTemperature libraries simplify code development .
Whether you are monitoring aquarium temperature, automating a hydroponic system, or logging data in an outdoor weather station, this waterproof DS18B20 probe provides a reliable, well-supported solution for submersible temperature measurement.
Features
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Original Maxim DS18B20 sensor — Digital temperature output with 9–12 bit selectable resolution
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IP68 waterproof stainless steel probe — Submersible in fresh water; resistant to corrosion and physical damage
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1-meter cable — Flexible placement with color-coded wires (Red: VCC, Yellow: DATA, Black: GND)
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Wide temperature range — -55°C to +125°C with ±0.5°C accuracy from -10°C to +85°C
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1-Wire interface — Only one data pin required; multiple sensors share the same bus
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Unique 64-bit serial code — Each probe is individually addressable for multi-sensor networks
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3.0V to 5.5V operation — Compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and STM32
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Stainless steel sheath (6mm diameter) — Durable and hygienic for water and food-adjacent applications
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Wide application range — Aquariums, hydroponics, HVAC, industrial process monitoring, weather stations
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Library support — OneWire and DallasTemperature libraries for Arduino
Technical Specifications
Usage
Getting Started (Arduino)
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Wire the probe — Connect Red (VCC) to 5V (or 3.3V), Black (GND) to GND, and Yellow (DATA) to a digital pin (e.g., D2).
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Add a pull-up resistor — If your adapter board does not include one, connect a 4.7kΩ resistor between the DATA line and VCC .
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Install libraries — Install OneWire and DallasTemperature through the Arduino Library Manager .
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Upload a test sketch — Use the DallasTemperature example to read and display the temperature over Serial.
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Submerge the probe — Place the stainless steel tip in the liquid or environment to be measured. Ensure the cable jacket is not submerged beyond its rating if using in high-temperature liquids.
Wire Connections
Example Arduino Code (DallasTemperature)
#include <OneWire.h>
#include <DallasTemperature.h>
#define ONE_WIRE_BUS 2
OneWire oneWire(ONE_WIRE_BUS);
DallasTemperature sensors(&oneWire);
void setup() {
Serial.begin(9600);
sensors.begin();
}
void loop() {
sensors.requestTemperatures();
float tempC = sensors.getTempCByIndex(0);
if (tempC == DEVICE_DISCONNECTED_C) {
Serial.println("Error: Could not read temperature");
return;
}
Serial.print("Temperature: ");
Serial.print(tempC);
Serial.println(" °C");
delay(1000);
}
Typical Applications
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Aquariums and fish tanks — Continuous water temperature monitoring
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Hydroponics and aquaponics — Nutrient solution temperature control
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Water tanks and reservoirs — Level and temperature logging
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HVAC systems — Duct and pipe temperature measurement
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Industrial process monitoring — Liquid and equipment temperature sensing
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Weather stations — Outdoor ambient temperature logging
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Homebrewing and fermentation — Temperature control for beer and wine production
Notes for Business Buyers
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Original DS18B20 chip — Genuine Maxim sensor for reliable digital output and multi-sensor capability
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IP68 waterproof — Suitable for fresh water submersion; not for salt water or corrosive liquids
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Standard 1-Wire protocol — Extensive library and community support across Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and ESP32 platforms
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Suitable for bulk purchasing — Ideal for aquarium product manufacturers, hydroponic system integrators, and industrial monitoring developers
Q: What is the DS18B20 IP68 Waterproof Sensor used for?
It is a submersible digital temperature probe for measuring liquid or ambient temperature in aquariums, hydroponic systems, water tanks, HVAC, and industrial process monitoring .
Q: Can the bare DS18B20 sensor be submerged in water?
No. The bare TO-92 DS18B20 has no sealed enclosure and cannot be submerged. This product encapsulates the sensor in a stainless steel waterproof housing (IP68) specifically for wet environments .
Q: What is the temperature range and accuracy?
The probe measures from -55°C to +125°C with ±0.5°C accuracy over the critical -10°C to +85°C range .
Q: What are the wire colors and their functions?
Red = VCC (power), Yellow = DATA (1-Wire signal), Black = GND (ground) .
Q: Do I need a pull-up resistor?
Yes. A 4.7kΩ resistor is required between the DATA and VCC lines for reliable 1-Wire communication. Some adapter boards include this resistor; verify your setup .
Q: Can I connect multiple probes to one Arduino pin?
Yes. Each DS18B20 has a unique 64-bit serial code, allowing multiple probes to share the same 1-Wire bus. Use the DallasTemperature library to address each sensor individually .
Q: Is this probe suitable for salt water aquariums?
Not recommended. The stainless steel housing is not designed for salt water or corrosive liquids. Use a probe with a suitable corrosion-resistant sheath for marine applications .
Q: What is the maximum cable temperature rating?
The PVC cable jacket is rated for approximately 100°C. For higher-temperature liquids, a probe with PTFE or silicone cable is recommended .
Q: What libraries do I need for Arduino?
Install the OneWire and DallasTemperature libraries through the Arduino Library Manager .
Q: Can I purchase in bulk for a product development project?
Yes. This probe is suitable for bulk purchasing by aquarium product manufacturers, hydroponic system integrators, and industrial monitoring developers.
