IP22 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 7). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP57 provides dust-protected 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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP57 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.