IP34 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 1). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
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.
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IP61
No
Submersible
IP34
No
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP34 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP34 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 and IP61 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.