IP51 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP51 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 2). IP51 is rated for dust-protected and vertically dripping water, while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
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)
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP51
Limited
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP51
No
IP52
No
Submersible
IP51
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP51
No
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP51 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP51 and IP52 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP52 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP52 offers higher overall protection than IP51. Choose IP52 for harsher environments; IP51 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.