IP35 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP35 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 0). IP35 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP35, it pairs solid level 3 with liquid level 5.
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)
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP35
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP35
Yes
IP40
No
Submersible
IP35
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP35
Yes
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP35 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP35 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP35 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP35 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP35 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP35 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.