IP12 vs IP28
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP28 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 8). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP28 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP28 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP28
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP28
Yes
Submersible
IP12
No
IP28
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP28
Yes
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP28)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP28 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP28 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP28 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP28 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP28 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP28 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.