IP28 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP28 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 1). IP28 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP28 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
With IP51, an enclosure receives dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP28
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP28
Yes
IP51
No
Submersible
IP28
Yes
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP28
Yes
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP28 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP28 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP28 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP28 provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP28 offers higher overall protection than IP51. Choose IP28 for harsher environments; IP51 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.