IP40 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 1). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
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.
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP61
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP61 provides "Vertically Dripping Water" (level 1). IP61 is 1 level higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP61 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP61 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.