IP53 vs IP67
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP53 and IP67 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 7). IP53 is rated for dust-protected and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP67 provides dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
Built to withstand dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP53, it pairs solid level 5 with liquid level 3.
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP53
5 — Dust-Protected
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP53
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP53
Limited
IP67
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP53
No
IP67
Yes
Submersible
IP53
No
IP67
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP53
No
IP67
Yes
The exact difference (IP53 vs IP67)
Solid protection
IP53
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP53 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP67 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP53
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP53 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP67 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP53. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP53 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.