IP23 vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 7). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IPX7 provides no protection 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.
IPX7 resists temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, with solid protection not specified. Common for portable electronics that may be dropped in water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP23
No
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP23 vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IPX7 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP23 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IPX7 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IPX7 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX7 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IPX7 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.