IP57 vs IP25
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP25 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 5). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP25 provides > 12.5 mm — finger 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.
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 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
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP25
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP25
Yes
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP25
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP25
Yes
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP25)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP25 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP57 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP25 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 IP25. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP25 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.