IP22 vs IP35
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP35 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP35 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP35, it pairs solid level 3 with 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
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP35
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP35
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP35
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP35
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP35)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP35 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP35 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP35 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP35 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP35 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP35 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.