IP15 vs IP24
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP24 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 4). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP24 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and splashing water (all directions).
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
With IP24, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP24
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP24
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP24
No
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP24
No
Submersible
IP15
No
IP24
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP24
Yes
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP24)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP24
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP24 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP24 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP24
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP24 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP15 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 and IP24 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.