IP43 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 7). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP57 provides dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP43
No
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP57 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP43. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.