IP65 vs IP04
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP65 and IP04 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 4). IP65 is rated for dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP04 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
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.
The IP04 rating offers no protection against solid objects and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
IP04
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP65
Yes
IP04
No
Water-jet resistant
IP65
Yes
IP04
No
Submersible
IP65
No
IP04
No
Outdoor suitable
IP65
Yes
IP04
Yes
The exact difference (IP65 vs IP04)
Solid protection
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP65 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP65 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP04. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP04 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.