IP27 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP27 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 5). IP27 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
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)
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP27
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP27
Yes
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP27
Yes
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP27
Yes
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP27 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP27 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP27 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP27 offers higher overall protection than IPX5. Choose IP27 for harsher environments; IPX5 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.