IP65 vs IP03
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP65 and IP03 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 3). IP65 is rated for dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP03 provides no protection and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
IP03
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP65
Yes
IP03
No
Water-jet resistant
IP65
Yes
IP03
No
Submersible
IP65
No
IP03
No
Outdoor suitable
IP65
Yes
IP03
No
The exact difference (IP65 vs IP03)
Solid protection
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP65 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP65 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.