IP57 vs IP41
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP41 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 1). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP41 provides > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water.
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP41
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP41
No
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP41
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP41
No
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP41)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP41 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP57 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP57 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.