IP40 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 5). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle 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 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP40 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP15 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5). IP15 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP15 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.