IP17 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 5). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
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)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP65 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP17 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP17. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP17 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.