IP17 vs IP34
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP34 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 4). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP34 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
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)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP34
No
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP34
No
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP34
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP34
Yes
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP34)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP17 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
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP17 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 offers higher overall protection than IP34. Choose IP17 for harsher environments; IP34 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.