IP15 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 0). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
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)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP50
No
Submersible
IP15
No
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP15 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP15 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP15 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.