IP17 vs IP24
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP24 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 4). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP24 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and splashing water (all directions).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
With IP24, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP24
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP24
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP24
No
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP24
No
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP24
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP24
Yes
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP24)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP24
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP24 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP24 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP24
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP24 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP17 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 offers higher overall protection than IP24. Choose IP17 for harsher environments; IP24 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.