IP15 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 7). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP57 provides dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP15
No
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP57 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.