IP50 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP50 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 0 vs 7). IP50 is rated for dust-protected and no protection, while IP57 provides dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP50
0 — No Protection
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP50
Limited
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP50
No
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP50
No
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP50
No
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP50 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP50 and IP57 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP57 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7). IP57 is 7 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.