IP22 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP65 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP65 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.