IP55 vs IP12
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP12 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 2). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP12 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
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)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP12
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP12
No
Submersible
IP55
No
IP12
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP12
No
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP12)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP55 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP55 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.