IP12 vs IP27
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP27 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 7). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP27 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
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)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP27
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP27
Yes
Submersible
IP12
No
IP27
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP27
Yes
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP27)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP27 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP27 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP27 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP27 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.