IP23 vs IP24
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP24 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 4). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP24 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and splashing water (all directions).
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
With IP24, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP24
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP24
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP24
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP24
No
Submersible
IP23
No
IP24
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP24
Yes
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP24)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP24
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Both IP23 and IP24 share the same solid protection: > 12.5 mm — Finger.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP24
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP24 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP24 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP24 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP24 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.