IP67 vs IP12
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP67 and IP12 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 2). IP67 is rated for dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP12 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
Designed for environments requiring protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position., IP12 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 1 with liquid level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP67
Yes
IP12
No
Water-jet resistant
IP67
Yes
IP12
No
Submersible
IP67
Yes
IP12
No
Outdoor suitable
IP67
Yes
IP12
No
The exact difference (IP67 vs IP12)
Solid protection
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP67 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP67 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.