IP03 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP5X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 0). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP5X provides dust-protected and no protection.
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.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP03
No
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP03 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3), while IP5X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP03 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP5X offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP5X for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.