IP20 vs IP12
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP12 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 2). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP12 provides > 50 mm — back of hand 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.
Designed for environments requiring protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position., IP12 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 1 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
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP12
No
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP12
No
Submersible
IP20
No
IP12
No
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP12
No
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP12)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP20 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP12 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2). IP12 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP12 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP12 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.