IP04 vs IP23
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IP23 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 3). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IP23 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IP23
No
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IP23
No
Submersible
IP04
No
IP23
No
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IP23
No
The exact difference (IP04 vs IP23)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP23 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP04 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP23 offers higher overall protection than IP04. Choose IP23 for harsher environments; IP04 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.