IP22 vs IP11
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP11 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 1). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP11 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water.
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.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP11
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP11
No
Submersible
IP22
No
IP11
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP11
No
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP11)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP22 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP22 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP22 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP22 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.