IP22 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 1). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP51
No
Submersible
IP22
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP22 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP51 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP51 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.