IP25 vs IP34
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP25 and IP34 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 4). IP25 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP34 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions).
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 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)
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP25
No
IP34
No
Water-jet resistant
IP25
Yes
IP34
No
Submersible
IP25
No
IP34
No
Outdoor suitable
IP25
Yes
IP34
Yes
The exact difference (IP25 vs IP34)
Solid protection
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP25 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP34 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP25 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP25 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP25 and IP34 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.