IP64 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP64 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 4 vs 1). IP64 is rated for dust-tight and splashing water (all directions), while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
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).
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP64
Yes
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP64
No
IP61
No
Submersible
IP64
No
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP64
Yes
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP64 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
Both IP64 and IP61 share the same solid protection: Dust-Tight.
Liquid protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP64 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP61. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP61 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.