IP27 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP27 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 0). IP27 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
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)
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP27
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP27
Yes
IP50
No
Submersible
IP27
Yes
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP27
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP27 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP27 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP27 is 7 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP27 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP27 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.