IP58 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP58 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 5). IP58 is rated for dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle 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 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP58
Limited
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP58
Yes
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP58
Yes
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP58
Yes
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP58 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP58 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP58 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP58 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.