IP41 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP41 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 7). IP41 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water, while IP57 provides dust-protected 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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP41
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP41
No
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP41
No
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP41
No
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP41 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP41 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP57 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.