IP12 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 8). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with 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
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP12
No
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP48 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP48 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.