IP20 vs IP35
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP35 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 5). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP35 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and water jets (6.3 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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP35, it pairs solid level 3 with liquid level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP35
No
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP35
Yes
Submersible
IP20
No
IP35
No
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP35
Yes
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP35)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP35 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP35 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP35 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5). IP35 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP35 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP35 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.