IP02 vs IPX4
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP02 and IPX4 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 4). IP02 is rated for no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IPX4 provides no protection 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.
IPX4 (solid protection not specified) resists splashing water from any direction. A common minimum for bathroom and outdoor-covered appliances where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP02
0 — No Protection
IPX4
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX4
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP02
No
IPX4
No
Water-jet resistant
IP02
No
IPX4
No
Submersible
IP02
No
IPX4
No
Outdoor suitable
IP02
No
IPX4
Yes
The exact difference (IP02 vs IPX4)
Solid protection
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IPX4
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP02 and IPX4 share the same solid protection: No Protection.
Liquid protection
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX4
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP02 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IPX4 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IPX4 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX4 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IPX4 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.