IP51 vs IP58
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP51 and IP58 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 8). IP51 is rated for dust-protected and vertically dripping water, while IP58 provides dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP51
Limited
IP58
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP51
No
IP58
Yes
Submersible
IP51
No
IP58
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP51
No
IP58
Yes
The exact difference (IP51 vs IP58)
Solid protection
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP51 and IP58 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP58 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP58 provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP51. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP51 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.