IP25 vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP25 and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 7). IP25 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IPX7 provides no protection and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
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)
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP25
No
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP25
Yes
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP25
No
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP25
Yes
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP25 vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
IP25 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IPX7 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP25 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP25 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IPX7 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IPX7 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP25 and IPX7 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.