IP11 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
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.
With IP51, an enclosure receives dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP51
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Both IP11 and IP51 share the same liquid protection: Vertically Dripping Water.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP51 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP51 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.