IP51 vs IP64
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP51 and IP64 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 4). IP51 is rated for dust-protected and vertically dripping water, while IP64 provides dust-tight and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP51
Limited
IP64
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP51
No
IP64
No
Submersible
IP51
No
IP64
No
Outdoor suitable
IP51
No
IP64
Yes
The exact difference (IP51 vs IP64)
Solid protection
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP64 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP64 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP51. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP51 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.