IP61 vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP61 and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 7). IP61 is rated for dust-tight and vertically dripping water, while IPX7 provides no protection 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.
IPX7 resists temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, with solid protection not specified. Common for portable electronics that may be dropped in water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP61
Yes
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP61
No
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP61
No
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP61
No
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP61 vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IPX7 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP61 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IPX7 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IPX7 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP61 and IPX7 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.