IP15 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 1). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
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.
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)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP51
No
Submersible
IP15
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP15 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 and IP51 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.