IP20 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 2). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP52 provides dust-protected 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.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (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
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP52
No
Submersible
IP20
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP52 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP52 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2). IP52 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP52 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP52 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.