IP23 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 5). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
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)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP23
No
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP65 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP65 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.