IP65 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP65 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 0). IP65 is rated for dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP65
Yes
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP65
Yes
IP50
No
Submersible
IP65
No
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP65
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP65 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP65 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP65 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP65 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.