IP60 vs IP14
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP14 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 4). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP14 provides > 50 mm — back of hand 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.
Under IEC 60529, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 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 1 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
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP14
No
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP14
No
Submersible
IP60
No
IP14
No
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP14
Yes
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP14)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP60 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP14 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4). IP14 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP60 offers higher overall protection than IP14. Choose IP60 for harsher environments; IP14 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.