IP15 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 2). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP52
No
Submersible
IP15
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP52 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP15 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP52 offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP52 for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.