IP60 vs IP18
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP18 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 8). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP18 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
The IP18 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP18
No
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP18
Yes
Submersible
IP60
No
IP18
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP18
Yes
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP18)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP18 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP60 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP18 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8). IP18 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP18 offers higher overall protection than IP60. Choose IP18 for harsher environments; IP60 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.