IP03 vs IP41
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP41 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 1). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP41 provides > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water.
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP41
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP41
No
Submersible
IP03
No
IP41
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP41
No
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP41)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP41 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP41 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP03 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP41 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP41 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.