IP18 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP18 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 0). IP18 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
The IP18 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
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)
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP18
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP18
Yes
IP50
No
Submersible
IP18
Yes
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP18
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP18 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP18 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP18 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP18 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP18 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP18 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.