IP61 vs IP65
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP61 and IP65 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 5). IP61 is rated for dust-tight and vertically dripping water, while IP65 provides dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
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)
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP61
Yes
IP65
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP61
No
IP65
Yes
Submersible
IP61
No
IP65
No
Outdoor suitable
IP61
No
IP65
Yes
The exact difference (IP61 vs IP65)
Solid protection
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
Both IP61 and IP65 share the same solid protection: Dust-Tight.
Liquid protection
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP65 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP61. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP61 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.