IP58 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP58 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 3). IP58 is rated for dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
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)
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP58
Limited
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP58
Yes
IP23
No
Submersible
IP58
Yes
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP58
Yes
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP58 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP58 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP58 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP58 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.