IP22 vs IP28
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP28 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 8). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP28 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP28 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP28
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP28
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP28
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP28
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP28)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Both IP22 and IP28 share the same solid protection: > 12.5 mm — Finger.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP28 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP28 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP28 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP28 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.