IP16 vs IP27
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP16 and IP27 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 7). IP16 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP27 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
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)
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP16
No
IP27
No
Water-jet resistant
IP16
Yes
IP27
Yes
Submersible
IP16
No
IP27
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP16
Yes
IP27
Yes
The exact difference (IP16 vs IP27)
Solid protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP27 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP27 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP27 offers higher overall protection than IP16. Choose IP27 for harsher environments; IP16 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.