IP43 vs IP16
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP16 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 6). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP16 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 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 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP16
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP16
Yes
Submersible
IP43
No
IP16
No
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP16
Yes
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP16)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP43 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP16 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 and IP16 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.