IP65 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP65 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 8). IP65 is rated for dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
IP38 provides protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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 3 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
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP65
Yes
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP65
Yes
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP65
No
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP65
Yes
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP65 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP65 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP38 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 and IP38 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.