IP15 vs IP34
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP34 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 4). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP34 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions).
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle 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 5.
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)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP34
No
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP34
No
Submersible
IP15
No
IP34
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP34
Yes
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP34)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP15 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
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP15 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP34 for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.