IP16 vs IP22
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP16 and IP22 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 2). IP16 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP22 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle 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 6.
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)
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP16
No
IP22
No
Water-jet resistant
IP16
Yes
IP22
No
Submersible
IP16
No
IP22
No
Outdoor suitable
IP16
Yes
IP22
No
The exact difference (IP16 vs IP22)
Solid protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP22 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP16 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP16 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP16 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.