IP40 vs IP03
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP03 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 3). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP03 provides no protection and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP03
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP03
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP03
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP03
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP03
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP03)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP40 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP03 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3). IP03 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP40 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP40 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.