IP40 vs IP35
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP35 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 5). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP35 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP35, it pairs solid level 3 with 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
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP35
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP35
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP35
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP35
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP35)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP35 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP40 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP35 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5). IP35 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP35 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP35 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.