IP52 vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP52 and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 7). IP52 is rated for dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IPX7 provides no protection and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IPX7 resists temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, with solid protection not specified. Common for portable electronics that may be dropped in water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP52
Limited
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP52
No
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP52
No
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP52
No
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP52 vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IPX7 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP52 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IPX7 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IPX7 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP52 and IPX7 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.