IP11 vs IP12
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP12 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 2). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP12 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
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)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP12
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP12
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP12
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP12
No
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP12)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Both IP11 and IP12 share the same solid protection: > 50 mm — Back of Hand.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP12 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP12 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP12 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.