IP43 vs IP10
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP10 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 0). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP10 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection.
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.
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP10
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP10
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP10
No
Submersible
IP43
No
IP10
No
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP10
No
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP10)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP43 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP43 provides "Spraying Water (up to 60°)" (level 3), while IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP43 is 3 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.