IP64 vs IP27
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP64 and IP27 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 7). IP64 is rated for dust-tight and splashing water (all directions), while IP27 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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).
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP64
Yes
IP27
No
Water-jet resistant
IP64
No
IP27
Yes
Submersible
IP64
No
IP27
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP64
Yes
IP27
Yes
The exact difference (IP64 vs IP27)
Solid protection
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP64 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP27 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP27. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP27 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.