IP33 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 5). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP33 protects against tools and 2.5 mm objects plus spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for indoor equipment subject to light spray or for sheltered outdoor fixtures.
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)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP33
No
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP65 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP33 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 IP33. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP33 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.