IP43 vs IP25
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP25 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 5). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP25 provides > 12.5 mm — finger 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.
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 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
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP25
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP25
Yes
Submersible
IP43
No
IP25
No
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP25
Yes
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP25)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP25 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP43 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP25 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP25 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 and IP25 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.