IP52 vs IP53
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP52 and IP53 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 3). IP52 is rated for dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP53 provides dust-protected and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
Built to withstand dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP53, it pairs solid level 5 with liquid level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
IP53
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP53
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP52
Limited
IP53
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP52
No
IP53
No
Submersible
IP52
No
IP53
No
Outdoor suitable
IP52
No
IP53
No
The exact difference (IP52 vs IP53)
Solid protection
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP53
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP52 and IP53 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP53
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP53 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP53 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP53 offers higher overall protection than IP52. Choose IP53 for harsher environments; IP52 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.