IP22 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP52
No
Submersible
IP22
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP52 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Both IP22 and IP52 share the same liquid protection: Dripping Water at 15° Tilt.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP52 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP52 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.