IP17 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 5). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
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)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP17 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP17 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP17 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 offers higher overall protection than IPX5. Choose IP17 for harsher environments; IPX5 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.