IP02 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP02 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 3). IP02 is rated for no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP02
0 — No Protection
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP02
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP02
No
IP43
No
Submersible
IP02
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP02
No
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP02 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP02 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP02 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP43 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.