IP16 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP16 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP16 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
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)
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP16
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP16
Yes
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP16
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP16
Yes
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP16 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP16 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP16 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP16 offers higher overall protection than IPX5. Choose IP16 for harsher environments; IPX5 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.