IP04 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 0). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
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.
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)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IP40
No
Submersible
IP04
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP04 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP04 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP04 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP04 and IP40 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.