IP22 vs IP18
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP18 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 8). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP18 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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 IP18 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP18
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP18
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP18
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP18
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP18)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP18 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP22 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP18 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP18 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP18 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP18 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.