IP60 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 3). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
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)
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP23
No
Submersible
IP60
No
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP60 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP23 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3). IP23 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP60 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP60 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.