IP23 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP5X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 0). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP5X provides dust-protected and no protection.
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP23
No
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP23 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3), while IP5X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP23 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP23 and IP5X offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.