IP40 vs IP30
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP30 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP30 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and no protection.
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.
IP30 protects against tools and 2.5 mm solid objects but offers no water protection. A basic indoor rating for equipment in dry, low-dust environments where only tool-access protection is required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP30
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP30
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP30
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP30
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP30
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP30
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP30)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP30
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP30 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP40 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP30
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP40 and IP30 share the same liquid protection: No Protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP40 offers higher overall protection than IP30. Choose IP40 for harsher environments; IP30 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.