IP22 vs IP04
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP04 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 4). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP04 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
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.
The IP04 rating offers no protection against solid objects and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP04
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP04
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP04
No
Submersible
IP22
No
IP04
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP04
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP04)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP22 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP04 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP22 and IP04 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.