IP20 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
IP20 protects against contact with a finger and solid objects larger than 12.5 mm. It has no water protection and is intended for dry, indoor use such as consumer electronics and IT equipment.
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)
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP50
No
Submersible
IP20
No
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP20 and IP50 share the same liquid protection: No Protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP50 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP50 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.