IP22 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 1). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
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.
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP61
No
Submersible
IP22
No
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP22 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP61 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP61 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.