IP65 vs IP28
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP65 and IP28 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 8). IP65 is rated for dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP28 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP28 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP65
Yes
IP28
No
Water-jet resistant
IP65
Yes
IP28
Yes
Submersible
IP65
No
IP28
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP65
Yes
IP28
Yes
The exact difference (IP65 vs IP28)
Solid protection
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP28 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP65 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP28 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP28 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP28. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP28 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.