IP40 vs IP04
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP04 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 4). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP04 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
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.
The IP04 rating offers no protection against solid objects 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 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP04
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP04
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP04
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP04
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP04
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP04)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP40 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP04 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4). IP04 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP40 and IP04 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.