IP23 vs IP53
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP53 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP53 provides dust-protected and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
Built to withstand dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP53, it pairs solid level 5 with liquid level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP53
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP53
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP53
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP53
No
Submersible
IP23
No
IP53
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP53
No
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP53)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP53
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP53 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP53 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP53
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Both IP23 and IP53 share the same liquid protection: Spraying Water (up to 60°).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP53 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP53 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.