IP15 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
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)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP15
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP15 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP15 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Both IP15 and IPX5 share the same liquid protection: Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 offers higher overall protection than IPX5. Choose IP15 for harsher environments; IPX5 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.