IP40 vs IP16
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP16 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 6). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP16 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 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 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP16
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP16
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP16
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP16
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP16)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP40 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP16 provides "Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)" (level 6). IP16 is 6 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP16 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP16 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.