IP40 vs IP25
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP25 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 5). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP25 provides > 12.5 mm — finger 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.
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 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
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP25
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP25
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP25
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP25
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP25)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP25 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP40 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP25 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5). IP25 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP25 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP25 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.