IP27 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP27 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 2). IP27 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP27
No
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP27
Yes
IP52
No
Submersible
IP27
Yes
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP27
Yes
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP27 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP52 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP27 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP27 offers higher overall protection than IP52. Choose IP27 for harsher environments; IP52 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.