IP34 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 1). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IP51
No
Submersible
IP34
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP34 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP34 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 offers higher overall protection than IP51. Choose IP34 for harsher environments; IP51 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.