IP57 vs IP03
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP03 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 3). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP03 provides no protection and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP03
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP03
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP03
No
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP03
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP03
No
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP03)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP57 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP57 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.