IP22 vs IP25
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP25 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP25 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 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 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP25
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP25
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP25
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP25
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP25)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Both IP22 and IP25 share the same solid protection: > 12.5 mm — Finger.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP25 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP25 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP25 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP25 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.