IP65 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP65 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 3). IP65 is rated for dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP65
Yes
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP65
Yes
IP43
No
Submersible
IP65
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP65
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP65 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP65 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP65 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP43. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.