IP40 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 2). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP52
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP52 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP52 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2). IP52 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP52 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP52 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.