IP03 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 5). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IPX5 provides no protection 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.
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)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP03
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP03 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP03 and IPX5 share the same solid protection: No Protection.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IPX5 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX5 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IPX5 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.