IP65 vs IP02
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP65 and IP02 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 2). IP65 is rated for dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP02 provides no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
Engineered to deliver no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP02, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
IP02
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP65
Yes
IP02
No
Water-jet resistant
IP65
Yes
IP02
No
Submersible
IP65
No
IP02
No
Outdoor suitable
IP65
Yes
IP02
No
The exact difference (IP65 vs IP02)
Solid protection
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP02 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP65 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP02 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP65 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.