IP43 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 5). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle 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 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP43
No
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP43 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP15 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.