IP40 vs IP14
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP14 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 4). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP14 provides > 50 mm — back of hand 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.
Under IEC 60529, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm 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 1 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
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP14
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP14
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP14
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP14
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP14)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP40 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP14 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4). IP14 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP14 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP14 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.