IP03 vs IP17
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP17 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 7). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP17 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP17
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP17
Yes
Submersible
IP03
No
IP17
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP17
Yes
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP17)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP17 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP17 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP17 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.