IP40 vs IP41
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP41 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 0 vs 1). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP41 provides > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water.
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP41
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP41
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP41
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP41
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP41)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP40 and IP41 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP41 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1). IP41 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP41 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP41 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.