IP22 vs IP47
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP47 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 7). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP47 provides > 1 mm — small wires and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP47
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP47
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP47
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP47
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP47)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP47 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP47 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP47 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP47 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP47 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP47 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.