IP57 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 1). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP61 provides dust-tight 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.
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) 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 6 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
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP61
No
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP61 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 IP61. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP61 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.