IP50 vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP50 and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 7). IP50 is rated for dust-protected and no protection, while IPX7 provides no protection and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IPX7 resists temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, with solid protection not specified. Common for portable electronics that may be dropped in water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP50
0 — No Protection
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP50
Limited
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP50
No
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP50
No
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP50
No
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP50 vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IPX7 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP50 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IPX7 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7). IPX7 is 7 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX7 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IPX7 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.