IP04 vs IP17
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IP17 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 7). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IP17 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IP17
No
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IP17
Yes
Submersible
IP04
No
IP17
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IP17
Yes
The exact difference (IP04 vs IP17)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP17 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP17 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 offers higher overall protection than IP04. Choose IP17 for harsher environments; IP04 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.