IP57 vs IP12
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP12 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 2). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP12 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
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)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP12
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP12
No
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP12
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP12
No
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP12)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP57 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP57 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.