IP64 vs IP41
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP64 and IP41 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 1). IP64 is rated for dust-tight and splashing water (all directions), while IP41 provides > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
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)
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP64
Yes
IP41
No
Water-jet resistant
IP64
No
IP41
No
Submersible
IP64
No
IP41
No
Outdoor suitable
IP64
Yes
IP41
No
The exact difference (IP64 vs IP41)
Solid protection
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP41 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP64 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP64 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.