IP37 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP37 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 5). IP37 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Specified under IEC 60529, IP37 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (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)
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP37
No
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP37
Yes
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP37
Yes
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP37
Yes
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP37 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP65 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP37 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP37. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP37 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.