IP57 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 5). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP57 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP57 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.