IP57 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 3). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP43
No
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP57 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP57 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP43. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.