IP11 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 3). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
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)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP23
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP23 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP23 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP23 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP23 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.