IP61 vs IP67
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP61 and IP67 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 7). IP61 is rated for dust-tight and vertically dripping water, while IP67 provides dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP61
Yes
IP67
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP61
No
IP67
Yes
Submersible
IP61
No
IP67
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP61
No
IP67
Yes
The exact difference (IP61 vs IP67)
Solid protection
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
Both IP61 and IP67 share the same solid protection: Dust-Tight.
Liquid protection
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP67 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP61. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP61 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.