IP40 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 3). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
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, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP23
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP40 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP23 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3). IP23 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP23 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP23 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.