IP23 vs IP27
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP27 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 7). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP27 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP27
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP27
Yes
Submersible
IP23
No
IP27
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP27
Yes
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP27)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Both IP23 and IP27 share the same solid protection: > 12.5 mm — Finger.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP27 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP27 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP27 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.