IP12 vs IP34
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP34 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 4). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP34 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP34
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP34
No
Submersible
IP12
No
IP34
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP34
Yes
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP34)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP34 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP34 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP34 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.