IP40 vs IP53
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP53 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 3). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP53 provides dust-protected and spraying water (up to 60°).
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 dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP53, it pairs solid level 5 with liquid level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP53
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP53
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP53
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP53
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP53
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP53
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP53)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP53
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP53 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP53 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP53
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP53 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3). IP53 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP53 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP53 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.