IP12 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 3). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
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, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP23
No
Submersible
IP12
No
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP23 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP23 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP23 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP23 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.