IP16 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP16 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 0). IP16 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 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 6.
Under IEC 60529, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP16
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP16
Yes
IP50
No
Submersible
IP16
No
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP16
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP16 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP16 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP16 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP16 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP16 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.