IP23 vs IP47
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP47 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 7). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP47 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
IP47 provides protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 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 4 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
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP47
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP47
Yes
Submersible
IP23
No
IP47
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP47
Yes
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP47)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP47 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP47 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP47 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP47 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP47 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP47 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.