IP65 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP65 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 2). IP65 is rated for dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP65
Yes
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP65
Yes
IP52
No
Submersible
IP65
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP65
Yes
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP65 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP65 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP65 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP65 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP65 offers higher overall protection than IP52. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP52 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.