IP17 vs IP64
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP64 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 4). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP64 provides dust-tight and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP64
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP64
No
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP64
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP64
Yes
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP64)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP64 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP17 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP17. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP17 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.