IP64 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP64 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 3). IP64 is rated for dust-tight and splashing water (all directions), while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
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)
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP64
Yes
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP64
No
IP23
No
Submersible
IP64
No
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP64
Yes
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP64 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP64 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP64 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.