IP61 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP61 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 5). IP61 is rated for dust-tight and vertically dripping water, while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP61
Yes
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP61
No
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP61
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP61
No
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP61 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP61 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IPX5 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP61 offers higher overall protection than IPX5. Choose IP61 for harsher environments; IPX5 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.