IP40 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP5X 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 IP5X 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.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP40 and IP5X share the same liquid protection: No Protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP5X offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP5X for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.