IP27 vs IP63
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP27 and IP63 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 3). IP27 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP63 provides dust-tight and spraying water (up to 60°).
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
The IP63 classification guarantees dust-tight (no ingress of dust) 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 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP63
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP63
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP27
No
IP63
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP27
Yes
IP63
No
Submersible
IP27
Yes
IP63
No
Outdoor suitable
IP27
Yes
IP63
No
The exact difference (IP27 vs IP63)
Solid protection
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP63
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP63 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP63 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP63
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP63 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP27 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP27 and IP63 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.