IP11 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 5). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
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)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP11
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP11 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP11 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IPX5 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX5 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IPX5 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.