IP10 vs IP34
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP34 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 4). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP34 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions).
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm 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 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP34
No
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP34
No
Submersible
IP10
No
IP34
No
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP34
Yes
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP34)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP34 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP34 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4). IP34 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP34 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.