IP20 vs IP02
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP02 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 2). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP02 provides no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
Engineered to deliver no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP02, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP02
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP02
No
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP02
No
Submersible
IP20
No
IP02
No
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP02
No
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP02)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP02 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP20 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP02 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2). IP02 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP20 and IP02 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.