IP51 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP51 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6). IP51 is rated for dust-protected and vertically dripping water, while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
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.
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) 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 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP51
Limited
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP51
No
IP61
No
Submersible
IP51
No
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP51
No
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP51 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Both IP51 and IP61 share the same liquid protection: Vertically Dripping Water.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP61 offers higher overall protection than IP51. Choose IP61 for harsher environments; IP51 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.