IP04 vs IP41
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IP41 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 1). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IP41 provides > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water.
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, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm 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 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IP41
No
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IP41
No
Submersible
IP04
No
IP41
No
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IP41
No
The exact difference (IP04 vs IP41)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP41 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP41 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP04 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP41 offers higher overall protection than IP04. Choose IP41 for harsher environments; IP04 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.