IP40 vs IP67
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP67 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 7). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP67 provides dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP67
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP67
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP67
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP67
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP67)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP67 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP67 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7). IP67 is 7 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.