IP34 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 3). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IP43
No
Submersible
IP34
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP34 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP34 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 and IP43 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.