IP14 vs IP27
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP14 and IP27 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 7). IP14 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions), while IP27 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP14
No
IP27
No
Water-jet resistant
IP14
No
IP27
Yes
Submersible
IP14
No
IP27
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP14
Yes
IP27
Yes
The exact difference (IP14 vs IP27)
Solid protection
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP27 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP27 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP27 offers higher overall protection than IP14. Choose IP27 for harsher environments; IP14 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.