IP03 vs IP14
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP03 and IP14 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 4). IP03 is rated for no protection and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP14 provides > 50 mm — back of hand 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.
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)
IP03
0 — No Protection
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP03
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP03
No
IP14
No
Water-jet resistant
IP03
No
IP14
No
Submersible
IP03
No
IP14
No
Outdoor suitable
IP03
No
IP14
Yes
The exact difference (IP03 vs IP14)
Solid protection
IP03
Level 0 — No Protection
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP03 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP14 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP03
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP03 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP14 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP14 offers higher overall protection than IP03. Choose IP14 for harsher environments; IP03 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.