IP23 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 0). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
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)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP40
No
Submersible
IP23
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP23 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP23 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP23 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP23 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.