IP04 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 4 vs 5). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IPX5 provides no protection 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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP04
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP04 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP04 and IPX5 share the same solid protection: No Protection.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IPX5 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX5 offers higher overall protection than IP04. Choose IPX5 for harsher environments; IP04 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.