IP11 vs IP16
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP16 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 6). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP16 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
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.
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)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP16
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP16
Yes
Submersible
IP11
No
IP16
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP16
Yes
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP16)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Both IP11 and IP16 share the same solid protection: > 50 mm — Back of Hand.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP16 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP16 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP16 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.