IP40 vs IP11
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP11 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 1). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP11 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water.
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 protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP11
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP11
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP11
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP11
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP11)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP40 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP11 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1). IP11 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP40 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP40 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.