IP11 vs IP34
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP34 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 4). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP34 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
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)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP34
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP34
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP34
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP34
Yes
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP34)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP11 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
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP34 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP34 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.