IP08 vs IP12
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP08 and IP12 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 2). IP08 is rated for no protection and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP12 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Built to withstand no protection against solid objects and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP08, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 8.
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)
IP08
0 — No Protection
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP08
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP08
No
IP12
No
Water-jet resistant
IP08
Yes
IP12
No
Submersible
IP08
Yes
IP12
No
Outdoor suitable
IP08
Yes
IP12
No
The exact difference (IP08 vs IP12)
Solid protection
IP08
Level 0 — No Protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP08 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP12 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP08
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP08 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP08 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP08 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP08 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.