IP12 vs IP20
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP20 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 0). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP20 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection.
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.
IP20 protects against contact with a finger and solid objects larger than 12.5 mm. It has no water protection and is intended for dry, indoor use such as consumer electronics and IT equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP20
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP20
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP20
No
Submersible
IP12
No
IP20
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP20
No
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP20)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP20 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP12 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2), while IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP12 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP12 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP12 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.