IP50 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP50 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 0 vs 2). IP50 is rated for dust-protected and no protection, while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP50
0 — No Protection
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP50
Limited
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP50
No
IP52
No
Submersible
IP50
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP50
No
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP50 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP50 and IP52 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP52 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2). IP52 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP52 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP52 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.