IP50 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP50 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP50 is rated for dust-protected and no protection, while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX6 resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Suitable for heavy-rain or hose-exposed equipment where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP50
0 — No Protection
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP50
Limited
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP50
No
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP50
No
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP50
No
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP50 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP50 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IPX6 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6). IPX6 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX6 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IPX6 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.