IP60 vs IP17
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP17 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 7). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP17 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP17
No
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP17
Yes
Submersible
IP60
No
IP17
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP17
Yes
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP17)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP60 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP17 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7). IP17 is 7 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 offers higher overall protection than IP60. Choose IP17 for harsher environments; IP60 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.