IP20 vs IP64
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP64 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 4). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP64 provides dust-tight and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP64
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP64
No
Submersible
IP20
No
IP64
No
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP64
Yes
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP64)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP64 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP64 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4). IP64 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.