IP41 vs IP68
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP41 and IP68 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 8). IP41 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water, while IP68 provides dust-tight and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
IP68 is dust-tight and protects against continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer (typically deeper than 1 meter for prolonged periods). The standard for submersible and marine equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP68
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP68
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP41
No
IP68
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP41
No
IP68
Yes
Submersible
IP41
No
IP68
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP41
No
IP68
Yes
The exact difference (IP41 vs IP68)
Solid protection
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP68
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP41 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP68 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP68 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP68
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP68 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP68 provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP68 offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP68 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.