IP12 vs IP24
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP24 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 4). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP24 provides > 12.5 mm — finger 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.
With IP24, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 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
IP24
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP24
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP24
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP24
No
Submersible
IP12
No
IP24
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP24
Yes
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP24)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP24
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP24 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP24 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP24
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP24 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP24 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP24 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP24 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.