IP01 vs IPX4
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP01 and IPX4 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 4). IP01 is rated for no protection and vertically dripping water, while IPX4 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
IP01 provides no protection against solid objects 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 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
IPX4 (solid protection not specified) resists splashing water from any direction. A common minimum for bathroom and outdoor-covered appliances where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP01
0 — No Protection
IPX4
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP01
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX4
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP01
No
IPX4
No
Water-jet resistant
IP01
No
IPX4
No
Submersible
IP01
No
IPX4
No
Outdoor suitable
IP01
No
IPX4
Yes
The exact difference (IP01 vs IPX4)
Solid protection
IP01
Level 0 — No Protection
IPX4
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP01 and IPX4 share the same solid protection: No Protection.
Liquid protection
IP01
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX4
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP01 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IPX4 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IPX4 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX4 offers higher overall protection than IP01. Choose IPX4 for harsher environments; IP01 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.