IP67 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP67 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 3). IP67 is rated for dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
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)
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP67
Yes
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP67
Yes
IP23
No
Submersible
IP67
Yes
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP67
Yes
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP67 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP67 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP67 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.