IP57 vs IP34
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP34 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 4). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP34 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
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)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP34
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP34
No
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP34
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP34
Yes
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP34)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP57 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP34 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 IP34. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP34 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.