IP14 vs IP30
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP14 and IP30 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 0). IP14 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions), while IP30 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and no protection.
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.
IP30 protects against tools and 2.5 mm solid objects but offers no water protection. A basic indoor rating for equipment in dry, low-dust environments where only tool-access protection is required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP30
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP30
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP14
No
IP30
No
Water-jet resistant
IP14
No
IP30
No
Submersible
IP14
No
IP30
No
Outdoor suitable
IP14
Yes
IP30
No
The exact difference (IP14 vs IP30)
Solid protection
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP30
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP30 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP30 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP30
Level 0 — No Protection
IP14 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4), while IP30 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP14 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP14 offers higher overall protection than IP30. Choose IP14 for harsher environments; IP30 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.