IP40 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 5). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
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)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP65 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP65 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5). IP65 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.