IP11 vs IP14
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP14 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 4). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP14 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions).
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
Under IEC 60529, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP14
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP14
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP14
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP14
Yes
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP14)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Both IP11 and IP14 share the same solid protection: > 50 mm — Back of Hand.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP14 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP14 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP14 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.