IP03 vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 7). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IPX7 provides no protection and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IPX7 resists temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, with solid protection not specified. Common for portable electronics that may be dropped in water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP03
No
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP03 vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP03 and IPX7 share the same solid protection: No Protection.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IPX7 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IPX7 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX7 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IPX7 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.