IP40 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 5). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP40 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IPX5 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5). IPX5 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX5 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IPX5 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.