IP18 vs IP20
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP18 and IP20 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 0). IP18 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP20 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection.
The IP18 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
IP20 protects against contact with a finger and solid objects larger than 12.5 mm. It has no water protection and is intended for dry, indoor use such as consumer electronics and IT equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP20
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP18
No
IP20
No
Water-jet resistant
IP18
Yes
IP20
No
Submersible
IP18
Yes
IP20
No
Outdoor suitable
IP18
Yes
IP20
No
The exact difference (IP18 vs IP20)
Solid protection
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP18 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP20 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP18 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8), while IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP18 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP18 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP18 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.