IP40 vs IP58
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP58 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 8). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP58 provides dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP58
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP58
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP58
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP58
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP58)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP58 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP58 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8). IP58 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.