IP65 vs IP63
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP65 and IP63 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 5 vs 3). IP65 is rated for dust-tight and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP63 provides dust-tight 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.
The IP63 classification guarantees dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP65
6 — Dust-Tight
IP63
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP65
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP63
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP65
Yes
IP63
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP65
Yes
IP63
No
Submersible
IP65
No
IP63
No
Outdoor suitable
IP65
Yes
IP63
No
The exact difference (IP65 vs IP63)
Solid protection
IP65
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP63
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
Both IP65 and IP63 share the same solid protection: Dust-Tight.
Liquid protection
IP65
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP63
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP65 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP63 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 IP63. Choose IP65 for harsher environments; IP63 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.