What Does IP65 Mean?
The IP65 rating is an internationally acknowledged standard for testing devices’ durability against the effects of dust and moisture. It comes from the Ingress Protection (IP) rating scale established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
This system employs an IP rating code that consists of two numerals to define the degree of protection provided against solid objects and liquid ingress. Consumers need to understand the meaning of these ratings when purchasing electronics designed for designated environmental conditions.
This expertise guarantees they choose devices that provide the reliability and performance they require.
Define Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings
Ingress Protection, or IP, is a widely accepted, standardized rating system. It measures the quality of enclosures against the ingress of solids and liquids.
The IEC created these standards to serve as useful benchmarks for users to make informed, smart decisions based on device durability. The format is the letters “IP,” followed by two numbers, with each number corresponding to a defined level of protection.
This thoughtful structure helps prevent any confusion regarding a product’s performance capabilities, like its worthiness against dust ingress or water submersion.
Understand the IP65 Code Breakdown
The IP65 code actually consists of two parts. The very first digit is “6.” It means the highest possible level of protection against solid objects such as dust, with complete protection against ingress under conditions specified by the manufacturer.
The second digit, “5,” indicates resistance to water jets from any angle, making the device suitable for wet environments but not submersion. Combined, these features deliver formidable protection, which is why IP65-rated devices are well-suited for outdoor use.
Specific Environmental Conditions Protected
IP65-rated products perform best in very dusty and wet environments, frequently found in outdoor security cameras and industrial assembly line equipment. Their versatility means they’ll stand the test of time, even in the most extreme environments.
IP65 vs. Other IP Ratings
Familiarizing yourself with IP ratings is a needed step when considering the integrity and use of electronic enclosures. These ingress protection (IP) ratings, standardized by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), indicate degrees of protection against dust and liquids.
While IP65 offers well-rounded protection, how does IP65 fare against other common ratings? The chart below outlines the main differences.
| IP Rating | Dust Protection | Water Protection | Example Uses |
| IP54 | Limited dust ingress, not fully sealed | Protection against splashes from any direction | Light-duty indoor devices like office electronics |
| IP65 | Fully dust-tight | Protection from low-pressure water jets from any direction | Outdoor lighting, security cameras |
| IP66 | Fully dust-tight | Protection from high-pressure water jets from any direction | Heavy-duty equipment in industrial settings |
| IP67 | Fully dust-tight | Temporary immersion in water (up to 3.28 feet for 30 minutes) | Waterproof smartphones, underwater lighting |
| IP68 | Fully dust-tight | Continuous immersion (at least 3.28 feet; depth varies by device) | Advanced underwater devices, deep-sea sensors |
IP54 vs. IP65: Key Differences
The key difference between IP54 vs IP65 is with the protection against dust and water. IP54 enclosures are not entirely dust-tight, permitting some level of ingress.
Their IP54 rating only accounts for basic water resistance, like splashes. This renders them inadequately safe for applications in outdoor environments where rain or water jets may occur.
IP65 enclosures mean total dust protection. They resist low-pressure water jets from all directions, which makes them ideal for outdoor deployments like streetlights and security cameras.
Although IP54 is adequate for covered indoor applications, IP65 should be considered for more demanding environments where greater durability is needed.
IP65 vs. IP67: A Detailed Comparison
IP67 is an upgrade to IP65, providing some protection from water immersion. Though IP65 enclosures are protected from water jets, they are not suited for being submerged under water.
IP67-rated devices, on the other hand, are protected against temporary immersion, usually up to 1 meter (3.28 feet) for 30 minutes. This means IP67 works for situations such as an unintentional drop into shallow water.
IP67 is a typical rating for smartphones, which need to work even after being dropped in a pool by accident. However, IP65 remains a practical option for applications where immersion is unlikely, such as LED outdoor lighting or industrial control panels.
Choosing the Right IP Rating
Choosing the appropriate IP rating means examining not just the environment, but the risk of exposure to dust or water. For example, indoor industrial devices can usually get away with IP44 at a minimum.
Outdoor industrial equipment typically needs IP65 or greater. Evaluate the level of expected water exposure like rain or cleaning processes and align needed IP rating with industry requirements.
For applications requiring underwater or high-pressure washing, look for IP67 or IP68. Taking these criteria into consideration will help avoid the hassle of under-performance and premature device aging.
IP65 and Industrial Touch Panel PCs
Industrial-grade panel PCs are purpose-built to withstand the tight tolerances and ruggedized requirements of industrial environments. The IP65 rating ensures complete protection from dust. Additionally, it can withstand high-pressure water jets from all directions, which makes these devices extremely dependable in rugged environments.
This rating is especially important for manufacturing industries that are often exposed to dust, moisture build-up, and extreme temperatures. It delivers reliable touch panel pc performance and long product lifecycles, even in harsh environments.
Why IP65 Matters for Panel PCs
That’s where the IP65 rating comes in, protecting industrial panel PCs from dust, debris, and liquid intrusion. For example, the ruggedized enclosures ensure that even the smallest of particles, like sawdust or metal shavings, can’t penetrate and harm internal components.
The ability to withstand powerful water jets projected at 0.25-inch nozzles increases the dependability of the equipment. This is particularly critical in environments requiring regular sanitation or exposure to strong chemicals.
This superior toughness ensures an accurate and responsive touch interface. That’s not where it completely flourishes. Industrial facilities is where 80% of control applications rely on – and trust – touchscreens.
Applications Requiring IP65 Panel PCs
Industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing often cannot afford to be interrupted, making IP65-rated devices a tremendous asset. As an illustration, in the food production industry, machines need to withstand frequent contact with food cleaning agents and high-pressure, scalding water used in sanitation.
In the same way, dust-tight systems are needed in pharmaceutical facilities to comply with increasingly strict hygienic conditions. The versatility of IP65-rated panel PCs extends to outdoor applications, such as kiosks or field operations, where protection against environmental factors is essential.