IP20 vs IP16
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP16 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP16 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
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.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP16
No
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP16
Yes
Submersible
IP20
No
IP16
No
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP16
Yes
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP16)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP20 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP16 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6). IP16 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP16 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP16 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.