IP15 vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 7). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IPX7 provides no protection 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.
IPX7 resists temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, with solid protection not specified. Common for portable electronics that may be dropped in water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP15
No
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP15 vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX7 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP15 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IPX7 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IPX7 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX7 offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IPX7 for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.