IP40 vs IP02
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP02 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 2). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP02 provides no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
Engineered to deliver no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP02, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP02
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP02
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP02
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP02
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP02
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP02)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP02 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP40 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP02 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2). IP02 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP40 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IP40 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.