IP57 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 7 vs 2). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP52
No
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP57 and IP52 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP57 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP52. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP52 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.