IP03 vs IP12
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP12 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 2). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP12 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
Designed for environments requiring protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position., IP12 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 1 with liquid level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP12
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP12
No
Submersible
IP03
No
IP12
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP12
No
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP12)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP12 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP03 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP03 and IP12 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.