IP04 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 0). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
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, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IP50
No
Submersible
IP04
No
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP04 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP04 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP04 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP50 offers higher overall protection than IP04. Choose IP50 for harsher environments; IP04 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.