IP40 vs IP17
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP17 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 7). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP17 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP17
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP17
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP17
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP17
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP17)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP40 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP17 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7). IP17 is 7 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP17 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.