IP12 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 0). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP50 provides dust-protected 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.
Under IEC 60529, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP50
No
Submersible
IP12
No
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP12 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP12 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP50 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP50 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.