IP17 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 0). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
Under IEC 60529, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP50
No
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP17 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP17 is 7 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP17 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.