IP12 vs IP25
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP25 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP25 provides > 12.5 mm — finger 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.
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 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
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP25
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP25
Yes
Submersible
IP12
No
IP25
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP25
Yes
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP25)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP25 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP25 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP25 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP25 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP25 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP25 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.