IP43 vs IP34
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP34 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 4). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP34 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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 3 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
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP34
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP34
No
Submersible
IP43
No
IP34
No
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP34
Yes
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP34)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP43 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP34 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 and IP34 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.