IP12 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP5X 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 IP5X 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.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP12
No
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP12 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2), while IP5X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP12 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP5X offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP5X for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.