IP11 vs IP63
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP63 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 3). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP63 provides dust-tight and spraying water (up to 60°).
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
The IP63 classification guarantees dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP63
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP63
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP63
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP63
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP63
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP63
No
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP63)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP63
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP63 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP63 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP63
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP63 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP63 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP63 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP63 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.