IP20 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 1). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
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.
With IP51, an enclosure receives dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP51
No
Submersible
IP20
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP51 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1). IP51 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP51 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP51 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.