IP11 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 5). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
IP65 is dust-tight and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). It is the most common standard for fully exposed outdoor electronics such as lighting, cameras, and EV chargers.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP11
No
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP65 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP65 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.