IP10 vs IP25
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP25 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 5). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP25 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP25
No
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP25
Yes
Submersible
IP10
No
IP25
No
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP25
Yes
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP25)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP25 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP25 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP25 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5). IP25 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP25 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP25 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.