IP40 vs IP34
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP34 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 4). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP34 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP34
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP34
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP34
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP34
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP34)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP40 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP34 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4). IP34 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP34 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.