IP58 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP58 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 8 vs 0). IP58 is rated for dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
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, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP58
Limited
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP58
Yes
IP50
No
Submersible
IP58
Yes
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP58
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP58 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
Both IP58 and IP50 share the same solid protection: Dust-Protected.
Liquid protection
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP58 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP58 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.