IP30 vs IP12
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP30 and IP12 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 2). IP30 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and no protection, while IP12 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP30 protects against tools and 2.5 mm solid objects but offers no water protection. A basic indoor rating for equipment in dry, low-dust environments where only tool-access protection is required.
Designed for environments requiring protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position., IP12 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 1 with liquid level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP30
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP30
0 — No Protection
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP30
No
IP12
No
Water-jet resistant
IP30
No
IP12
No
Submersible
IP30
No
IP12
No
Outdoor suitable
IP30
No
IP12
No
The exact difference (IP30 vs IP12)
Solid protection
IP30
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP30 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP30 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP30
Level 0 — No Protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP30 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP12 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2). IP12 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP30 and IP12 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.