IP12 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 1). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
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.
With IP51, an enclosure receives dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP51
No
Submersible
IP12
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP12 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP51 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP51 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.