IP64 vs IP18
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP64 and IP18 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 8). IP64 is rated for dust-tight and splashing water (all directions), while IP18 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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).
The IP18 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP64
Yes
IP18
No
Water-jet resistant
IP64
No
IP18
Yes
Submersible
IP64
No
IP18
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP64
Yes
IP18
Yes
The exact difference (IP64 vs IP18)
Solid protection
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP18 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP64 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP18 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP18 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP18. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP18 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.