IP41 vs IPX4
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP41 and IPX4 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 4). IP41 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water, while IPX4 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
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.
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)
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX4
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX4
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP41
No
IPX4
No
Water-jet resistant
IP41
No
IPX4
No
Submersible
IP41
No
IPX4
No
Outdoor suitable
IP41
No
IPX4
Yes
The exact difference (IP41 vs IPX4)
Solid protection
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX4
Level 0 — No Protection
IP41 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX4 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP41 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX4
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IPX4 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IPX4 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP41 offers higher overall protection than IPX4. Choose IP41 for harsher environments; IPX4 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.