IP06 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP06 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP06 is rated for no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
With IP06, an enclosure receives no protection against solid objects and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
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)
IP06
0 — No Protection
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP06
No
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP06
Yes
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP06
No
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP06
Yes
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP06 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP06 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP65 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP06 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP06 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP06. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP06 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.