IP11 vs IP22
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP22 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 2). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP22 provides > 12.5 mm — finger 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.
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP22
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP22
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP22
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP22
No
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP22)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP22 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP22 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP22 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP22 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.