IP30 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP30 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4). IP30 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and no protection, while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
IP30 protects against tools and 2.5 mm solid objects but offers no water protection. A basic indoor rating for equipment in dry, low-dust environments where only tool-access protection is required.
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)
IP30
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP30
0 — No Protection
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP30
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP30
No
IP40
No
Submersible
IP30
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP30
No
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP30 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP30
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP30 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP30
Level 0 — No Protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP30 and IP40 share the same liquid protection: No Protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP40 offers higher overall protection than IP30. Choose IP40 for harsher environments; IP30 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.