IP27 vs IP64
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP27 and IP64 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 4). IP27 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP64 provides dust-tight and splashing water (all directions).
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP27
No
IP64
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP27
Yes
IP64
No
Submersible
IP27
Yes
IP64
No
Outdoor suitable
IP27
Yes
IP64
Yes
The exact difference (IP27 vs IP64)
Solid protection
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP64 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP27 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP27. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP27 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.