IP67 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP67 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 1). IP67 is rated for dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
With IP51, an enclosure receives dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) 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 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP67
Yes
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP67
Yes
IP51
No
Submersible
IP67
Yes
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP67
Yes
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP67 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP67 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP67 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP51. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP51 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.