IP48 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP48 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 5). IP48 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with 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)
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP48
No
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP48
Yes
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP48
Yes
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP48
Yes
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP48 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP65 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP48 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP65. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP65 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.