IP60 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 0 vs 5). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
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)
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP60
No
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
Both IP60 and IP65 share the same solid protection: Dust-Tight.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP60 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 IP60. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP60 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.