IP04 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 1). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
The IP04 rating offers no protection against solid objects and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
With IP51, an enclosure receives dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IP51
No
Submersible
IP04
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP04 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP04 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP51 offers higher overall protection than IP04. Choose IP51 for harsher environments; IP04 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.