IP65 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP65 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 1). IP65 is rated for dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle 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 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP65
Yes
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP65
Yes
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP65
No
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP65
Yes
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP65 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP65 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Both IP65 and IP15 share the same liquid protection: Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.