IP50 vs IP53
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP50 and IP53 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 0 vs 3). IP50 is rated for dust-protected and no protection, while IP53 provides dust-protected and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
Built to withstand dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP53, it pairs solid level 5 with liquid level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
IP53
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP50
0 — No Protection
IP53
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP50
Limited
IP53
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP50
No
IP53
No
Submersible
IP50
No
IP53
No
Outdoor suitable
IP50
No
IP53
No
The exact difference (IP50 vs IP53)
Solid protection
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP53
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP50 and IP53 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP53
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP53 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3). IP53 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP53 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP53 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.