IP18 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP18 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 5). IP18 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
The IP18 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
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)
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP18
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP18
Yes
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP18
Yes
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP18
Yes
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP18 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP18 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP18 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP18 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP18 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP18 offers higher overall protection than IPX5. Choose IP18 for harsher environments; IPX5 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.