IP34 vs IP53
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IP53 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 3). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IP53 provides dust-protected 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.
Built to withstand dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP53, it pairs solid level 5 with liquid level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP53
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP53
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IP53
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IP53
No
Submersible
IP34
No
IP53
No
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IP53
No
The exact difference (IP34 vs IP53)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP53
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP53 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP53 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP53
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP53 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.
Recommendation
IP53 offers higher overall protection than IP34. Choose IP53 for harsher environments; IP34 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.