IP22 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 3). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP23
No
Submersible
IP22
No
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Both IP22 and IP23 share the same solid protection: > 12.5 mm — Finger.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP23 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP23 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP23 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.