IP65

IP65 is a rating in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) IP code that characterizes the protection of enclosures against solid objects and liquids. The first digit, 6, denotes a dust-tight enclosure with no ingress of dust that could interfere with operation. The second digit, 5, indicates protection against water jets from any direction, with limited ingress permitted.

The rating is defined and assessed under IEC 60529 through standardized tests for dust and water exposure. The dust test demonstrates that no significant dust ingress occurs, while the water test shows that the enclosure can withstand jets of water from various angles without compromising performance. IP65 does not imply protection against immersion in water; for submersion, higher ratings such as IP67 or IP68 are used.

Applications of IP65-rated enclosures include outdoor lighting fixtures, electrical and control enclosures, CCTV housings, and other equipment exposed to dusty or wet environments. The rating signals suitability for many outdoor or industrial settings, but it does not guarantee protection against prolonged immersion, high-pressure cleaning, or chemical exposure beyond the standard test.

Some regional standards or product literature also refer to IP65K, which adds additional requirements for high-pressure, high-temperature wash-down in certain environments. In summary, IP65 denotes a dust-tight enclosure protected against water jets from any direction, offering robust protection for many outdoor and industrial applications while excluding immersion and extreme wash-down scenarios.