IP60 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 2). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP52
No
Submersible
IP60
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP60 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP52 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2). IP52 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP52 offers higher overall protection than IP60. Choose IP52 for harsher environments; IP60 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.