IP03 vs IP04
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP04 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 4). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP04 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
Designed for environments requiring no protection against solid objects and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects., IP03 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 0 with liquid level 3.
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)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP04
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP04
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP04
No
Submersible
IP03
No
IP04
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP04
Yes
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP04)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP03 and IP04 share the same solid protection: No Protection.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP04 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP04 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP04 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.