IP61 vs IP63
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP61 and IP63 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 3). IP61 is rated for dust-tight and vertically dripping water, while IP63 provides dust-tight and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
The IP63 classification guarantees dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
IP63
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP63
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP61
Yes
IP63
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP61
No
IP63
No
Submersible
IP61
No
IP63
No
Outdoor suitable
IP61
No
IP63
No
The exact difference (IP61 vs IP63)
Solid protection
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP63
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
Both IP61 and IP63 share the same solid protection: Dust-Tight.
Liquid protection
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP63
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP63 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP63 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP63 offers higher overall protection than IP61. Choose IP63 for harsher environments; IP61 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.