IP40 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP50 provides dust-protected 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.
Under IEC 60529, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP50
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP40 and IP50 share the same liquid protection: No Protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP50 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP50 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.