IP15 vs IP22
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP22 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 2). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP22 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle 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 5.
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP22
No
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP22
No
Submersible
IP15
No
IP22
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP22
No
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP22)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP22 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP15 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP15 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.