IP07 vs IP16
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP07 and IP16 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 6). IP07 is rated for no protection and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP16 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
IP07 is an ingress protection code that ensures no protection against solid objects and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP07
0 — No Protection
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP07
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP07
No
IP16
No
Water-jet resistant
IP07
Yes
IP16
Yes
Submersible
IP07
Yes
IP16
No
Outdoor suitable
IP07
Yes
IP16
Yes
The exact difference (IP07 vs IP16)
Solid protection
IP07
Level 0 — No Protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP07 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP16 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP07
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP07 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP07 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP07 and IP16 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.