IP23 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 5). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IPX5 provides no protection 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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP23
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP23 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP23 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IPX5 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP23 and IPX5 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.