IP22 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 3). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP43
No
Submersible
IP22
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP43 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.