IP02 vs IP04
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP02 and IP04 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 4). IP02 is rated for no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP04 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
Engineered to deliver no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP02, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 2.
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)
IP02
0 — No Protection
IP04
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP02
No
IP04
No
Water-jet resistant
IP02
No
IP04
No
Submersible
IP02
No
IP04
No
Outdoor suitable
IP02
No
IP04
Yes
The exact difference (IP02 vs IP04)
Solid protection
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP02 and IP04 share the same solid protection: No Protection.
Liquid protection
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP02 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP04 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP04 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IP04 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.