IP17 vs IP30
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP30 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 0). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP30 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and no protection.
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.
IP30 protects against tools and 2.5 mm solid objects but offers no water protection. A basic indoor rating for equipment in dry, low-dust environments where only tool-access protection is required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP30
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP30
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP30
No
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP30
No
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP30
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP30
No
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP30)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP30
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP30 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP30 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP30
Level 0 — No Protection
IP17 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7), while IP30 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP17 is 7 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 offers higher overall protection than IP30. Choose IP17 for harsher environments; IP30 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.