IP52 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP52 and IP5X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 0). IP52 is rated for dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP5X provides dust-protected and no protection.
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.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP52
Limited
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP52
No
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP52
No
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP52
No
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP52 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP52 and IP5X share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP52 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2), while IP5X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP52 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP52 offers higher overall protection than IP5X. Choose IP52 for harsher environments; IP5X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.