IP04 vs IP22
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IP22 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 2). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IP22 provides > 12.5 mm — finger 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.
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)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IP22
No
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IP22
No
Submersible
IP04
No
IP22
No
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IP22
No
The exact difference (IP04 vs IP22)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP22 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP22 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 and IP22 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.