IP43 vs IP02
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP02 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 2). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP02 provides no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Engineered to deliver no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP02, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP02
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP02
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP02
No
Submersible
IP43
No
IP02
No
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP02
No
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP02)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP02 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP43 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP02 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP43 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.