IP64 vs IP53
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP64 and IP53 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 3). IP64 is rated for dust-tight and splashing water (all directions), while IP53 provides dust-protected and spraying water (up to 60°).
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 dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP53, it pairs solid level 5 with liquid level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
IP53
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP53
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP64
Yes
IP53
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP64
No
IP53
No
Submersible
IP64
No
IP53
No
Outdoor suitable
IP64
Yes
IP53
No
The exact difference (IP64 vs IP53)
Solid protection
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP53
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP53 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP64 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP53
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP53 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP64 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP53. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP53 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.