IP17 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 3). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
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)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP23
No
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP23 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP17 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP17 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.