IP11 vs IP18
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP18 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 8). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP18 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
The IP18 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP18
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP18
Yes
Submersible
IP11
No
IP18
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP18
Yes
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP18)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Both IP11 and IP18 share the same solid protection: > 50 mm — Back of Hand.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP18 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP18 provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP18 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP18 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.