IP02 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP02 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP02 is rated for no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Engineered to deliver no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP02, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 2.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP02
0 — No Protection
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP02
No
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP02
No
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP02
No
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP02
No
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP02 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP02 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP15 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP02 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP15 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IP15 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.