IP06 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP06 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 1). IP06 is rated for no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
With IP06, an enclosure receives no protection against solid objects and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 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 6.
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)
IP06
0 — No Protection
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP06
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP06
Yes
IP51
No
Submersible
IP06
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP06
Yes
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP06 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP06 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP06 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP06 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP06 and IP51 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.