IP16 vs IP25
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP16 and IP25 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 5). IP16 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP25 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 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 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP16
No
IP25
No
Water-jet resistant
IP16
Yes
IP25
Yes
Submersible
IP16
No
IP25
No
Outdoor suitable
IP16
Yes
IP25
Yes
The exact difference (IP16 vs IP25)
Solid protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP25 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP25 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP25 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP16 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP16 and IP25 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.