IP58 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP58 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 1). IP58 is rated for dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
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)
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP58
Limited
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP58
Yes
IP61
No
Submersible
IP58
Yes
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP58
Yes
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP58 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP58 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP58 provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP61. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP61 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.