IP27 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP27 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 0). IP27 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
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)
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP27
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP27
Yes
IP40
No
Submersible
IP27
Yes
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP27
Yes
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP27 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP27 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP27 is 7 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP27 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP27 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.