IP54 vs IP47
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP54 and IP47 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 7). IP54 is rated for dust-protected and splashing water (all directions), while IP47 provides > 1 mm — small wires and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP54
5 — Dust-Protected
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP54
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP54
Limited
IP47
No
Water-jet resistant
IP54
No
IP47
Yes
Submersible
IP54
No
IP47
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP54
Yes
IP47
Yes
The exact difference (IP54 vs IP47)
Solid protection
IP54
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP54 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP47 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP54 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP54
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP54 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP47 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). 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.