IP12 vs IP30
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP30 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 0). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP30 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
IP30 protects against tools and 2.5 mm solid objects but offers no water protection. A basic indoor rating for equipment in dry, low-dust environments where only tool-access protection is required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP30
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP30
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP30
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP30
No
Submersible
IP12
No
IP30
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP30
No
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP30)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP30
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP30 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP30 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP30
Level 0 — No Protection
IP12 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2), while IP30 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP12 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP12 and IP30 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.