IP22 vs IP64
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP64 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 4). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP64 provides dust-tight and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP64
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP64
No
Submersible
IP22
No
IP64
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP64
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP64)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP64 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP64 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.