IP28 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP28 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 0). IP28 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP28 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Under IEC 60529, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP28
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP28
Yes
IP50
No
Submersible
IP28
Yes
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP28
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP28 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP28 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP28 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP28 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP28 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP28 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.