IP50 vs IP64
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP50 and IP64 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 4). IP50 is rated for dust-protected and no protection, while IP64 provides dust-tight and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP50
0 — No Protection
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP50
Limited
IP64
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP50
No
IP64
No
Submersible
IP50
No
IP64
No
Outdoor suitable
IP50
No
IP64
Yes
The exact difference (IP50 vs IP64)
Solid protection
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP64 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP64 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4). IP64 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.