IP20 vs IP47
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP47 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 7). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP47 provides > 1 mm — small wires and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP47 provides protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 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 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP47
No
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP47
Yes
Submersible
IP20
No
IP47
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP47
Yes
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP47)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP47 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP47 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP47 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7). IP47 is 7 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP47 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP47 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.