IP58 vs IP14
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP58 and IP14 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 4). IP58 is rated for dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP14 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions).
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
Under IEC 60529, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP58
Limited
IP14
No
Water-jet resistant
IP58
Yes
IP14
No
Submersible
IP58
Yes
IP14
No
Outdoor suitable
IP58
Yes
IP14
Yes
The exact difference (IP58 vs IP14)
Solid protection
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP58 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP58 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP58 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP14. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP14 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.