IP5X vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP5X and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 1). IP5X is rated for dust-protected and no protection, while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
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)
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP5X
0 — No Protection
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP5X
Limited
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP5X
No
IP61
No
Submersible
IP5X
No
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP5X
No
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP5X vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP5X provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP61 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1). IP61 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP61 offers higher overall protection than IP5X. Choose IP61 for harsher environments; IP5X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.