IP23 vs IP25
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP25 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 5). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP25 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP25
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP25
Yes
Submersible
IP23
No
IP25
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP25
Yes
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP25)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Both IP23 and IP25 share the same solid protection: > 12.5 mm — Finger.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP25 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP25 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP25 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP25 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.