IP43 vs IP14
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP14 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 4). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP14 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions).
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP14
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP14
No
Submersible
IP43
No
IP14
No
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP14
Yes
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP14)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP43 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP14 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP14. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP14 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.