IP10 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 1). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
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)
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP51
No
Submersible
IP10
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP51 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1). IP51 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP51 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP51 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.