IP55/IP65 Rating

What Are IP55 and IP65 Ratings? Protection Standards Explained

What is an IP55 Rating?

An IP55 rating describes how an enclosure manages dust and water during routine operation, without attempting to create a fully sealed unit. A limited amount of dust is permitted, provided it does not interfere with performance, and protection against water spray from various directions is provided. When installation is done thoughtfully, this level of protection suits many outdoor settings.

Dust carries fine biological material and settles inside equipment over time. When moisture or heat is present, corrosion on exposed metal surfaces accelerates. In humid climates, IP55 enclosures continue to perform well if placed in ventilated or partially sheltered locations. Problems usually appear when maintenance is overlooked. Condensation develops slowly. Insulation weakens. Damage shows up much later. Since some dust ingress is expected, periodic internal inspection and cleaning form part of normal upkeep. IP55 is best suited for rain-shielded locations such as portals or covered passages, rather than areas exposed to prolonged or direct rainfall.

Local site conditions also influence performance. Exhaust placement, airflow behaviour, and nearby dust sources all matter. In outdoor installations using IP66-rated equipment, full dust-tight sealing often increases cleaning requirements, especially for sensors and luminaires. Equipment such as batteries or rotating machinery, which already require routine servicing, can often operate reliably with IP56 or IP54 ratings. Dirt tends to collect near the base of enclosures, so some designs apply lower protection levels only to the lower sections. Additional considerations include wind-driven rain affecting top-hinged doors, gradual colour fading caused by UV exposure, and the use of secondary containment where liquids or light particulates are present.

What is an IP65 Rating?

Under IEC/EN 60529, IP65 means dust is kept out completely, and water jets do not reach internal components, even when sprayed from different directions. This level of protection is typically chosen for tougher environments, such as washdown areas, places with heavy rain, or sites where wind regularly drives water against the enclosure.

Most outdoor enclosures are mounted vertically, which helps water run off on its own. Because of this, wall gaps usually play a limited role in protection. Over time, sunlight often causes more damage than rain. UV exposure weakens plastics and finishes, so UV-stable materials or protective coatings are commonly used. IP55 enclosures can still work in similar locations, but only when installed correctly. Incorrect mounting, including inverted positions, increases the chance of exposure-related issues.

Even with IP65 protection, clearance is still important. In areas with frequent wind-driven rain, manufacturers typically advise keeping objects at least 60 cm away from the enclosure. In calmer environments, factors such as mounting height, tilt, airflow, and local weather reduce the risk of water ingress. Public EV charging stations often use IP65 or higher ratings because chargers are cleaned more frequently, maintained less consistently, and are more prone to misuse or vandalism. That said, IP65 is not always necessary, and IP55-rated chargers continue to perform well in public locations where site conditions are properly managed.

What is the difference between IP55 Rating and IP56 Rating?

The difference between IP55 and IP65 depends mainly on the level of dust and water exposure the equipment is expected to encounter during its operating life. IP55 vs IP65 in real-world applications is shown in the table below:

Parameter	IP55 Rating	IP65 Rating
IP rating meaning	Indicates protection against limited dust and water exposure.	Indicates higher protection against dust and water ingress.
Dust protection level	Dust-protected; small dust entry allowed without harm.	Dust-tight; no dust entry permitted.
Impact of dust ingress	Does not affect regular operation.	Designed for dusty and polluted environments.
Water protection level	Resistant to low-pressure water jets.	Resistant to strong, high-pressure water jets.
Water exposure handling	Suitable for rain and routine washdown.	Ideal for heavy rain and forceful splashing.
Outdoor installation suitability	Suitable for semi-covered outdoor locations.	Ideal for fully exposed outdoor locations.
Weather tolerance	Handles normal outdoor weather conditions.	Built for harsher and more unpredictable weather.
Use in EV charging setups	Works for home or sheltered charging points.	Often chosen as the best IP rating for EV charger installations in open areas.
Industrial and infrastructure use	Used in control panels and basic outdoor equipment.	Used in highways, factories, and public infrastructure.
Long-term durability	Moderate durability in open environments.	Higher durability over long-term exposure.
Cost and design complexity	Lower sealing complexity and cost.	Higher sealing precision and cost.
Water resistance description	Water-resistant, not fully sealed.	Commonly referred to as an IP65 waterproof rating.

Which IP rating is used for EV chargers?

IP55 protection is usually sufficient for private EV charging installations where the charger is placed under a roof or in a semi-protected area. These locations reduce direct rain exposure and limit environmental stress. Public chargers face different conditions. Usage is heavier. Maintenance is less predictable. Exposure is higher. For these reasons, IP65 or higher ratings are commonly selected.

Standards such as EN 61851-1:2017 support this approach by requiring charging equipment to remain operational during prolonged rainfall. Dripping or flowing water must not affect safety or performance. In enclosed parking garages or designated charging bays, where rain rarely reaches the equipment, IP55 remains a practical and economical choice. Chargers installed outdoors for extended periods, especially in open public areas, benefit from the additional margin provided by IP65 protection.

Ingress protection is not only about mechanical durability. It also affects electrical isolation and user safety. Environments with contaminated water, dust-heavy air, or sustained wind-driven rain place extra strain on enclosures. Protection levels should therefore be chosen based on actual site conditions, not assumptions. During procurement, confirming the ingress rating with the manufacturer helps avoid long-term reliability issues.

Built for Real-World Conditions with Exicom

The difference between IP55 and IP65 becomes clear over time, not on paper. Exicom develops EV charging solutions with real installation environments in mind. Exposure, usage patterns, and long-term wear are considered from the outset. This approach supports stable performance, safety, and durability across both sheltered locations and fully exposed outdoor installations.

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FAQs

Is IP55 waterproof?

No, IP55 is not waterproof. The IP55 protection standard handles rain and light water spray, but not heavy jet washing or immersion.

Can an IP55 EV charger be installed outdoors?

Yes, an IP55 EV charger can be installed outdoors in covered or semi-protected areas.

Does IP65 mean a product is dust-proof?

Yes, IP65 indicates complete protection against dust entering the enclosure.

Can IP65 equipment be submerged in water?

No, even with an IP65 waterproof rating, the enclosure is designed for water jets, not submersion.

Is IP65 more expensive than IP55?

Yes, IP65 is more expensive than IP55 because of better sealing and higher protection levels, which increase manufacturing cost.

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