IP03 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 5). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP03
No
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP15 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP15 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP15 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.