IP47 vs IP54
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP47 and IP54 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 4). IP47 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP54 provides dust-protected and splashing water (all directions).
IP47 provides protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
IP54 is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and resists splashing water from any direction. A versatile rating for industrial and outdoor-covered equipment in dusty, damp environments.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP54
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP54
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP47
No
IP54
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP47
Yes
IP54
No
Submersible
IP47
Yes
IP54
No
Outdoor suitable
IP47
Yes
IP54
Yes
The exact difference (IP47 vs IP54)
Solid protection
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP54
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP47 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP54 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP54 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP54
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP47 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP54 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP47 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP47 offers higher overall protection than IP54. Choose IP47 for harsher environments; IP54 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.