IP65 vs IP10
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP65 and IP10 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 0). IP65 is rated for dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP10 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection.
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.
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP10
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP65
Yes
IP10
No
Water-jet resistant
IP65
Yes
IP10
No
Submersible
IP65
No
IP10
No
Outdoor suitable
IP65
Yes
IP10
No
The exact difference (IP65 vs IP10)
Solid protection
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP65 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP65 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5), while IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP65 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.