IP12 vs IP17
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP17 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 7). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP17 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP17
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP17
Yes
Submersible
IP12
No
IP17
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP17
Yes
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP17)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Both IP12 and IP17 share the same solid protection: > 50 mm — Back of Hand.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP17 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP17 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.