IP23 vs IP30
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP30 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 0). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP30 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and no protection.
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.
IP30 protects against tools and 2.5 mm solid objects but offers no water protection. A basic indoor rating for equipment in dry, low-dust environments where only tool-access protection is required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP30
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP30
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP30
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP30
No
Submersible
IP23
No
IP30
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP30
No
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP30)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP30
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP30 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP30 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP30
Level 0 — No Protection
IP23 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3), while IP30 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP23 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP23 offers higher overall protection than IP30. Choose IP23 for harsher environments; IP30 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.