IP34 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 5). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP34
No
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP34 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP65 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP65 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP34. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP34 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.