IP40 vs IP10
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP10 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP10 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection.
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.
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP10
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP10
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP10
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP10
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP10
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP10)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP40 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP40 and IP10 share the same liquid protection: No Protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP40 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP40 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.