IP17 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP5X 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 IP5X 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.
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)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP17 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7), while IP5X 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 IP5X. Choose IP17 for harsher environments; IP5X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.