Most buyers treat IP65 and IP67 as a tier list and pick the higher number. On a real install the difference is about water depth and cable entry, not a simple better-or-worse — and the wrong choice leaves you with either an over-specified unit or a failure point at the connector.
Read the two numbers
The first digit is solid ingress (both 6 = dust-tight). The second is liquid: 5 means jets, 7 means brief immersion. So IP67 survives a puddle or a pressure-washer pass that IP65 is not built for.
Where each one belongs
Match the rating to the worst hour, not the average day.
| Rating | Survives | Best for |
|---|
| IP65 | Rain, dust, jets | Covered patio, facade, soffit |
| IP67 | Brief immersion, wash-down | Poolside, open weather, coastal |
The cable gland is the real weak point
A housing rated IP67 is only as good as its cable entry. A gland rated lower than the body lets water track in along the wire — the most common outdoor failure. Confirm the gland shares the body rating.
Coastal and corrosive air
Salt air attacks the bracket and fixings long before it defeats the seal. Near the sea, favour stainless or coated fixings and accept that IP67 alone will not save a rusted mount.
Cost and heat trade-off
Higher ratings cost more and can run hotter if the seal traps heat. If the unit sits in a ventilated spot, IP65 may be the smarter, cooler choice.
How to decide
Ask one question: will the connector ever face standing water or a wash-down? If yes, IP67. If it is sheltered and only sees rain, IP65 is enough and often runs cooler.
Common questions
Is IP67 strictly better than IP65?
For water, yes — it survives immersion IP65 does not. But it can run hotter and costs more, so it is not automatically the right pick for a sheltered spot.
My projector is IP67 but the cable entry is not — does it matter?
Yes. Water tracks along the wire through a lower-rated gland. The whole path must share the rating.
Which for a poolside install?
IP67. Pool edges see splash and occasional wash-down that defeat IP65.
Does IP rating cover the bracket?
No. The bracket corrodes on its own. Near coast, specify stainless or coated fixings separately.
Will a higher rating run hotter?
Potentially, if the seal traps heat. Check the duty cycle and ventilation either way.
Can I use an IP65 unit under a soffit?
Usually yes — a soffit keeps off direct rain and jets, which is exactly what IP65 handles.
Need help specifying this?
Send us the throw distance, the image size you need and your artwork — we will recommend the right model and quote within 24 hours.
