IP65 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP65 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 8). IP65 is rated for dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP65
Yes
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP65
Yes
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP65
No
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP65
Yes
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP65 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP65 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP48 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP65. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP65 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.