IP22 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP22 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP15 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP15 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.