IP52 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP52 and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 0). IP52 is rated for dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP6X provides dust-tight 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.
IP6X is fully dust-tight—no ingress of dust whatsoever—with water protection not specified. The highest solid-protection rating, used where complete dust exclusion is critical.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP52
Limited
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP52
No
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP52
No
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP52
No
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP52 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP52 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2), while IP6X 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 IP6X. Choose IP52 for harsher environments; IP6X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.