IP60 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 5). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
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)
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP60
No
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP60 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP15 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5). IP15 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP60 and IP15 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.