IP57 vs IP04
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP04 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 4). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP04 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
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.
The IP04 rating offers no protection against solid objects 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 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP04
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP04
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP04
No
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP04
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP04
Yes
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP04)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP57 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP57 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP04. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP04 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.