IP18 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP18 and IP5X 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 IP5X 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.
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)
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP18
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP18
Yes
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP18
Yes
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP18
Yes
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP18 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP18 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP18 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8), while IP5X 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 IP5X. Choose IP18 for harsher environments; IP5X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.