IP22 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP5X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 0). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP5X provides dust-protected and no protection.
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.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP22
No
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP22 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2), while IP5X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP22 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP5X offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP5X for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.