IP12 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP12
No
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Both IP12 and IP15 share the same solid protection: > 50 mm — Back of Hand.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP15 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP15 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.