IP14 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP14 and IP5X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 0). IP14 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions), while IP5X provides dust-protected and no protection.
Under IEC 60529, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP14
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP14
No
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP14
No
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP14
Yes
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP14 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP14 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4), while IP5X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP14 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP14 and IP5X offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.