IP11 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 0). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
Under IEC 60529, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP50
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP11 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP11 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP50 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP50 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.