IP14 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP14 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 3). IP14 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions), while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
Under IEC 60529, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP14
No
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP14
No
IP23
No
Submersible
IP14
No
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP14
Yes
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP14 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP23 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP14 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP14 and IP23 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.