IP03 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 2). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP52
No
Submersible
IP03
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP52 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP03 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP52 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP52 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.