IP50 vs IP63
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP50 and IP63 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 3). IP50 is rated for dust-protected and no protection, while IP63 provides dust-tight 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.
The IP63 classification guarantees dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
IP63
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP50
0 — No Protection
IP63
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP50
Limited
IP63
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP50
No
IP63
No
Submersible
IP50
No
IP63
No
Outdoor suitable
IP50
No
IP63
No
The exact difference (IP50 vs IP63)
Solid protection
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP63
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP63 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP63 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP63
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP63 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3). IP63 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP63 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP63 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.