IP16 vs IP20
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP16 and IP20 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 0). IP16 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP20 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection.
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 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 6.
IP20 protects against contact with a finger and solid objects larger than 12.5 mm. It has no water protection and is intended for dry, indoor use such as consumer electronics and IT equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP20
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP16
No
IP20
No
Water-jet resistant
IP16
Yes
IP20
No
Submersible
IP16
No
IP20
No
Outdoor suitable
IP16
Yes
IP20
No
The exact difference (IP16 vs IP20)
Solid protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP20 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP16 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6), while IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP16 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP16 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP16 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.