IP34 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 5). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP34
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP34 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP34 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IPX5 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 offers higher overall protection than IPX5. Choose IP34 for harsher environments; IPX5 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.