IP12 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 3). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered 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
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP43
No
Submersible
IP12
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP43 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.