IP03 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 0). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP40
No
Submersible
IP03
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP03 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP03 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP40 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP40 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.