IP15 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 0). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP6X provides dust-tight and no protection.
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.
IP6X is fully dust-tight—no ingress of dust whatsoever—with water protection not specified. The highest solid-protection rating, used where complete dust exclusion is critical.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP15
No
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP15 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5), while IP6X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP15 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 and IP6X offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.