IP03 vs IP11
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP11 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 1). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP11 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water.
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP11
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP11
No
Submersible
IP03
No
IP11
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP11
No
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP11)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP11 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP03 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP03 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP03 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.