IP12 vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 7). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IPX7 provides no protection and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IPX7 resists temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, with solid protection not specified. Common for portable electronics that may be dropped in water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP12
No
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP12 vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX7 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP12 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IPX7 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IPX7 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX7 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IPX7 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.