IP52 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP52 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 1). IP52 is rated for dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
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)
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP52
Limited
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP52
No
IP61
No
Submersible
IP52
No
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP52
No
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP52 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP52 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP52 and IP61 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.