IP65 vs IP14
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP65 and IP14 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 4). IP65 is rated for dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP14 provides > 50 mm — back of hand 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.
Under IEC 60529, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm 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 1 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
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP65
Yes
IP14
No
Water-jet resistant
IP65
Yes
IP14
No
Submersible
IP65
No
IP14
No
Outdoor suitable
IP65
Yes
IP14
Yes
The exact difference (IP65 vs IP14)
Solid protection
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP65 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP14 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 IP14. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP14 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.