IP04 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 5). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
The IP04 rating offers no protection against solid objects 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 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP04
No
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP04 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP15 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP15 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 offers higher overall protection than IP04. Choose IP15 for harsher environments; IP04 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.