IP51 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP51 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 7). IP51 is rated for dust-protected and vertically dripping water, while IP57 provides dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
With IP51, an enclosure receives dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP51
Limited
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP51
No
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP51
No
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP51
No
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP51 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP51 and IP57 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP57 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP51. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP51 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.