IP40 vs IP12
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP12 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 2). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP12 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
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)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP12
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP12
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP12
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP12
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP12)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP40 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP40 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
IP40 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP40 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.