IP51 vs IP62
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP51 and IP62 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 2). IP51 is rated for dust-protected and vertically dripping water, while IP62 provides dust-tight and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
Built to withstand dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP62, it pairs solid level 6 with liquid level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
IP62
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP62
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP51
Limited
IP62
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP51
No
IP62
No
Submersible
IP51
No
IP62
No
Outdoor suitable
IP51
No
IP62
No
The exact difference (IP51 vs IP62)
Solid protection
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP62
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP62 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP62 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP62
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP62 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP62 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP62 offers higher overall protection than IP51. Choose IP62 for harsher environments; IP51 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.