IP57 vs IPX6
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IPX6 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 6). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IPX6 provides no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
IPX6 resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Suitable for heavy-rain or hose-exposed equipment where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IPX6
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IPX6
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IPX6
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IPX6
Yes
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IPX6
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IPX6
Yes
The exact difference (IP57 vs IPX6)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IPX6
Level 0 — No Protection
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IPX6 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP57 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IPX6
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IPX6 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP57 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IPX6. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IPX6 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.