IP14 vs IP22
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP14 and IP22 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 2). IP14 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions), while IP22 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Under IEC 60529, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP14
No
IP22
No
Water-jet resistant
IP14
No
IP22
No
Submersible
IP14
No
IP22
No
Outdoor suitable
IP14
Yes
IP22
No
The exact difference (IP14 vs IP22)
Solid protection
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP22 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP14 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP14 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP14 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.