IP03 vs IP22
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP22 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 2). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP22 provides > 12.5 mm — finger 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.
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP22
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP22
No
Submersible
IP03
No
IP22
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP22
No
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP22)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP22 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP22 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
IP22 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP22 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.