IP41 vs IP47
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP41 and IP47 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 7). IP41 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water, while IP47 provides > 1 mm — small wires and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
Under IEC 60529, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm 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 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
IP47 provides protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP41
No
IP47
No
Water-jet resistant
IP41
No
IP47
Yes
Submersible
IP41
No
IP47
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP41
No
IP47
Yes
The exact difference (IP41 vs IP47)
Solid protection
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP41 and IP47 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP47 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP47 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP47 offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP47 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.