IP05 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP05 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 1). IP05 is rated for no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
Under IEC 60529, IP05 specifies no protection against solid objects and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle 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 5.
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)
IP05
0 — No Protection
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP05
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP05
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP05
Yes
IP51
No
Submersible
IP05
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP05
Yes
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP05 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP05
Level 0 — No Protection
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP05 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP05
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP05 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP05 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP51 offers higher overall protection than IP05. Choose IP51 for harsher environments; IP05 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.