What Does IP65 Mean? ONPOW Explains
When selecting a push button switch, you may often see protection ratings such as IP65, IP67, or IP68. But what exactly does IP65 mean, and is it sufficient for your application?
As a professional push button switch manufacturer, ONPOW Push Button Switches is here to explain.
What Is an IP Rating?
IP stands for Ingress Protection, an international standard that defines how well a device is protected against dust and water.
An IP rating consists of two digits:
The first digit indicates protection against solid objects and dust.
The second digit indicates protection against water.
For IP65:
The First Digit "6" – Complete Dust Protection
The number 6 is the highest dust protection rating.
It means:
Completely dust-tight
No harmful dust ingress
Protection against contact with internal components
This makes IP65 switches suitable for environments such as:
Industrial factories
Automation equipment
Construction machinery
Woodworking machines
Food processing equipment
The Second Digit "5" – Protection Against Water Jets
The number 5 means the device is protected against water projected from any direction.
An IP65-rated push button switch can withstand:
Rain
Splashing water
Low-pressure water jets
Routine equipment cleaning
However, it is not designed for immersion in water.
Typical Applications for IP65 Push Button Switches
Industrial Automation
Control panels
PLC systems
Production lines
Machine controls
Outdoor Equipment
Access control systems
Ticket machines
EV charging stations
Outdoor control cabinets
Food Processing Machinery
IP65 switches help protect equipment during washdown and cleaning processes.
Construction and Engineering Equipment
They provide reliable protection against dust, dirt, and rain.
IP65 vs IP67 vs IP68
| Rating | Dust Protection | Water Protection |
|---|---|---|
| IP65 | Dust-tight | Protected against water jets |
| IP67 | Dust-tight | Protected against temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes |
| IP68 | Dust-tight | Protected against continuous immersion under specified conditions |
In simple terms:
IP65 = Water Jets
IP67 = Temporary Immersion
IP68 = Continuous Immersion
For most industrial and outdoor applications, IP65 protection is more than adequate.
If there is a risk of equipment being submerged, IP67 or IP68 switches are recommended.
ONPOW IP65 Push Button Solutions
ONPOW offers a wide range of IP65-rated products, including:
Metal Push Button Switches
Illuminated Push Button Switches
Anti-Vandal Switches
Emergency Stop Switches
Selector Switches
Key Switches
Key features include:
Stainless steel and metal housings
Long mechanical and electrical life
Multiple LED illumination options
Panel cutout sizes of 16mm, 19mm, 22mm, and 25mm
Reliable performance in industrial and outdoor environments
Conclusion
An IP65-rated push button switch provides complete protection against dust and reliable protection against water jets from any direction. It is an excellent choice for industrial automation, outdoor equipment, EV charging stations, food machinery, and many other demanding applications.
For environments involving temporary or continuous water immersion, IP67 or IP68 switches may be more suitable.
ONPOW provides a comprehensive range of IP65, IP67, and IP68 push button switches, helping customers find the ideal solution for their specific application requirements. Contact us today for expert technical support and customization services.




