IP52 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP52 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP52 is rated for dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
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)
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP52
Limited
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP52
No
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP52
No
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP52
No
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP52 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP65 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP52 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 IP52. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP52 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.