IP22 vs IP03
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP03 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 3). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP03 provides no protection and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP03
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP03
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP03
No
Submersible
IP22
No
IP03
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP03
No
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP03)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP22 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP03 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP22 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP22 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.