IP06 vs IP12
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP06 and IP12 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 2). IP06 is rated for no protection and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP12 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt.
With IP06, an enclosure receives no protection against solid objects and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 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 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
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)
IP06
0 — No Protection
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP06
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP06
No
IP12
No
Water-jet resistant
IP06
Yes
IP12
No
Submersible
IP06
No
IP12
No
Outdoor suitable
IP06
Yes
IP12
No
The exact difference (IP06 vs IP12)
Solid protection
IP06
Level 0 — No Protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP06 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP12 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP06
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP06 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP06 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP06 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP06 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.