IP11 vs IP27
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP27 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 7). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP27 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP27
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP27
Yes
Submersible
IP11
No
IP27
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP27
Yes
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP27)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP27 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP27 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP27 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP27 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.