IP57 vs IP11
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP11 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 1). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP11 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water.
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.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP11
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP11
No
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP11
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP11
No
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP11)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP57 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP57 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.