IP23 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 1). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
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.
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP61
No
Submersible
IP23
No
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP23 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP61 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP61 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.