IP51 vs IP67
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP51 and IP67 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 7). IP51 is rated for dust-protected and vertically dripping water, while IP67 provides dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP51
Limited
IP67
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP51
No
IP67
Yes
Submersible
IP51
No
IP67
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP51
No
IP67
Yes
The exact difference (IP51 vs IP67)
Solid protection
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP67 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP67 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP51. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP51 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.