IP57 vs IP28
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP28 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 8). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP28 provides > 12.5 mm — finger 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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP28 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 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
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP28
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP28
Yes
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP28
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP28
Yes
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP28)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP28 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP57 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP28 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP28 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP28. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP28 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.