IP12 vs IP14
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP14 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 4). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP14 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions).
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed 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 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP14
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP14
No
Submersible
IP12
No
IP14
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP14
Yes
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP14)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Both IP12 and IP14 share the same solid protection: > 50 mm — Back of Hand.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP14 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP14 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP14 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.