IP57 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 7 vs 1). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP51 provides dust-protected 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.
With IP51, an enclosure receives dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP51
No
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP57 and IP51 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP51 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 IP51. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP51 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.