IP57 vs IP63
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP63 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 3). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP63 provides dust-tight and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
The IP63 classification guarantees dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP63
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP63
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP63
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP63
No
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP63
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP63
No
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP63)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP63
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP63 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP63 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP63
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP63 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP57 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP63. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP63 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.