IP23 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 2). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP52
No
Submersible
IP23
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP52 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP23 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP52 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP52 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.