IP40 vs IPX4
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IPX4 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 4). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IPX4 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IPX4 (solid protection not specified) resists splashing water from any direction. A common minimum for bathroom and outdoor-covered appliances where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX4
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IPX4
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IPX4
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IPX4
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IPX4
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IPX4
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IPX4)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX4
Level 0 — No Protection
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX4 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP40 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IPX4
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IPX4 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4). IPX4 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP40 and IPX4 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.