IP04 vs IP12
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IP12 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 2). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IP12 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt.
The IP04 rating offers no protection against solid objects and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IP12
No
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IP12
No
Submersible
IP04
No
IP12
No
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IP12
No
The exact difference (IP04 vs IP12)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP12 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP04 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP04 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP04 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.