IP50 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP50 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 0 vs 1). IP50 is rated for dust-protected and no protection, while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
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.
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)
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP50
0 — No Protection
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP50
Limited
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP50
No
IP51
No
Submersible
IP50
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP50
No
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP50 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP50 and IP51 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP51 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1). IP51 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP51 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP51 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.