EV Charging Glossary

What Are IP65 / IP66?

IP65 and IP66 indicate a device's protection rating against dust and water (Ingress Protection, IEC 60529). The first digit of the code refers to protection against solid objects and dust, and the second digit to water protection: in both ratings the first digit is 6, meaning the device is fully dust-tight (no dust gets inside). The second digit distinguishes water resistance: IP65 protects against low-pressure water jets from any direction, while IP66 protects against stronger water jets. This level means a charging device can be used safely outdoors (in an open car park or mounted on a wall) in rain, dust and windy conditions. Even so, it indicates resistance to outdoor conditions, not being submerged directly under water. Bemis's in-house manufactured charging device models are in the IP65/IP66 protection class: models with a display (Charger 2, Charger Pro 2, Pro Mobile 2) are IP65 and models with LED indicators (Charger Plus 2, Mini Mobile, Mono Mobile) are IP66. In practice this means a wallbox mounted on an external wall in an open car park can operate without problems in the rain or in a dusty industrial area; for a home user it is safe to install the device on a garden wall or outside the garage. Thanks to this protection rating, a separate enclosed housing or canopy is often not needed for the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IP65 and IP66?

In both ratings the first digit is 6, meaning the device is fully dust-tight (no dust gets inside). The second digit distinguishes water resistance: IP65 protects against low-pressure water jets from any direction, while IP66 protects against stronger water jets. The first digit of the code shows protection against solid objects and dust, the second digit water protection.

Can an IP65/IP66 charging device be used outdoors?

Yes, this protection rating means a charging device can be used safely outdoors (in an open car park or mounted on a wall) in rain, dust and windy conditions. A wallbox mounted on an external wall in an open car park can operate without problems in the rain or in a dusty industrial area. Bemis's in-house manufactured models are in the IP65/IP66 protection class: models with a display are IP65, models with LED indicators IP66.

Can an IP65/IP66 device be submerged under water?

No, this level indicates resistance to outdoor conditions, not being submerged directly under water. Even so, thanks to this protection a separate enclosed housing or canopy is often not needed; a home user can safely install the device on a garden wall or outside the garage.