IP11 vs IP30
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP30 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 0). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP30 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and no protection.
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.
IP30 protects against tools and 2.5 mm solid objects but offers no water protection. A basic indoor rating for equipment in dry, low-dust environments where only tool-access protection is required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP30
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP30
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP30
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP30
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP30
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP30
No
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP30)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP30
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP30 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP30 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP30
Level 0 — No Protection
IP11 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1), while IP30 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP11 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP30 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP30 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.