IP14 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP14 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 5). IP14 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions), while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP14
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP14
No
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP14
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP14
Yes
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP14 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP14 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IPX5 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP14 and IPX5 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.