IP64 vs IP17
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP64 and IP17 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 7). IP64 is rated for dust-tight and splashing water (all directions), while IP17 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP64
Yes
IP17
No
Water-jet resistant
IP64
No
IP17
Yes
Submersible
IP64
No
IP17
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP64
Yes
IP17
Yes
The exact difference (IP64 vs IP17)
Solid protection
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP64 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP17 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP17. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP17 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.