IP23 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 1). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
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)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP51
No
Submersible
IP23
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP23 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP51 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP51 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.