IP38 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 5). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP38 provides protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
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)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP65 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP38 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 and IP65 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.