IP11 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 0). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
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.
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)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP40
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP11 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP11 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP40 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP40 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.