IP12 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 0). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
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.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP40
No
Submersible
IP12
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP12 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP12 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP40 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP40 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.