IP12 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP12
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP12 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP12 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP12 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IPX5 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX5 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IPX5 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.