IP60 vs IP03
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP03 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 3). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP03 provides no protection and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
IP03
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP03
No
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP03
No
Submersible
IP60
No
IP03
No
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP03
No
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP03)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP60 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP03 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3). IP03 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP60 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP60 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.