IP57 vs IP18
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP18 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 8). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP18 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
The IP18 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP18
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP18
Yes
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP18
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP18
Yes
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP18)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP18 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP57 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP18 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP18 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP18. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP18 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.