IP02 vs IP34
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP02 and IP34 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 4). IP02 is rated for no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP34 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions).
Engineered to deliver no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP02, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 2.
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP02
0 — No Protection
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP02
No
IP34
No
Water-jet resistant
IP02
No
IP34
No
Submersible
IP02
No
IP34
No
Outdoor suitable
IP02
No
IP34
Yes
The exact difference (IP02 vs IP34)
Solid protection
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP02 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP34 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP02 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP34 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IP34 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.