IP57 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 3). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP23
No
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP57 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP57 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.