IP11 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP61 provides dust-tight 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.
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) 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 6 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
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP61
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Both IP11 and IP61 share the same liquid protection: Vertically Dripping Water.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP61 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP61 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.