IP43 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 1). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
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)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP51
No
Submersible
IP43
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP43 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP51. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP51 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.