IP15 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP5X 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 IP5X 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.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP15
No
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP15 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5), while IP5X 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 IP5X. Choose IP15 for harsher environments; IP5X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.