IP51 vs IP63
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP51 and IP63 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 3). IP51 is rated for dust-protected and vertically dripping water, while IP63 provides dust-tight and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
The IP63 classification guarantees dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
IP63
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP63
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP51
Limited
IP63
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP51
No
IP63
No
Submersible
IP51
No
IP63
No
Outdoor suitable
IP51
No
IP63
No
The exact difference (IP51 vs IP63)
Solid protection
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP63
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP63 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP63 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP63
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP63 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP63 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP63 offers higher overall protection than IP51. Choose IP63 for harsher environments; IP51 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.