IP22 vs IPX4
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IPX4 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 4). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IPX4 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IPX4 (solid protection not specified) resists splashing water from any direction. A common minimum for bathroom and outdoor-covered appliances where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX4
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX4
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IPX4
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IPX4
No
Submersible
IP22
No
IPX4
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IPX4
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IPX4)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX4
Level 0 — No Protection
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IPX4 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP22 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX4
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IPX4 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IPX4 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP22 and IPX4 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.