IP40 vs IP28
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP28 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 8). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP28 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP28 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP28
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP28
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP28
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP28
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP28)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP28 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP40 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP28 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8). IP28 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP28 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP28 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.