IP60 vs IP04
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP04 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 4). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP04 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
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)
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
IP04
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP04
No
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP04
No
Submersible
IP60
No
IP04
No
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP04
Yes
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP04)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP60 is 6 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP04 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4). IP04 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP60 offers higher overall protection than IP04. Choose IP60 for harsher environments; IP04 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.