IP10 vs IP12
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP12 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 0 vs 2). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP12 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
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)
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP12
No
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP12
No
Submersible
IP10
No
IP12
No
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP12
No
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP12)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Both IP10 and IP12 share the same solid protection: > 50 mm — Back of Hand.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP12 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2). IP12 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP12 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP12 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.