IP50 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP50 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 1). IP50 is rated for dust-protected and no protection, while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
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.
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) 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 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP50
0 — No Protection
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP50
Limited
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP50
No
IP61
No
Submersible
IP50
No
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP50
No
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP50 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP61 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1). IP61 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP61 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP61 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.