IP12 vs IP33
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP33 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 3). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP33 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
IP33 protects against tools and 2.5 mm objects plus spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for indoor equipment subject to light spray or for sheltered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP33
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP33
No
Submersible
IP12
No
IP33
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP33
No
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP33)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP33 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP33 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP33 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP33 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.