IP12 vs IP18
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP18 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 8). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP18 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
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)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP18
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP18
Yes
Submersible
IP12
No
IP18
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP18
Yes
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP18)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Both IP12 and IP18 share the same solid protection: > 50 mm — Back of Hand.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP18 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP18 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP18 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP18 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.