IP03 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 7). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP57 provides dust-protected 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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP03
No
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP57 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.