IP50 vs IP68
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP50 and IP68 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 8). IP50 is rated for dust-protected and no protection, while IP68 provides dust-tight and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
IP68 is dust-tight and protects against continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer (typically deeper than 1 meter for prolonged periods). The standard for submersible and marine equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
IP68
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP50
0 — No Protection
IP68
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP50
Limited
IP68
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP50
No
IP68
Yes
Submersible
IP50
No
IP68
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP50
No
IP68
Yes
The exact difference (IP50 vs IP68)
Solid protection
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP68
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP68 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP68 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP68
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP68 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8). IP68 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP68 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP68 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.