IP22 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IPX5 provides no protection 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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP22 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IPX5 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX5 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IPX5 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.