IP24 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP24 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 1). IP24 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and splashing water (all directions), while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
With IP24, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP24
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP24
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP24
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP24
No
IP51
No
Submersible
IP24
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP24
Yes
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP24 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP24
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP24 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP24
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP24 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP24 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP24 and IP51 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.