IP43 vs IP12
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP12 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 2). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP12 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
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)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP12
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP12
No
Submersible
IP43
No
IP12
No
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP12
No
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP12)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP43 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP43 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.