IP04 vs IPX4
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IPX4 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in their protection levels (they are equivalent). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IPX4 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IPX4 (solid protection not specified) resists splashing water from any direction. A common minimum for bathroom and outdoor-covered appliances where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IPX4
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX4
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IPX4
No
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IPX4
No
Submersible
IP04
No
IPX4
No
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IPX4
Yes
The exact difference (IP04 vs IPX4)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IPX4
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP04 and IPX4 share the same solid protection: No Protection.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX4
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Both IP04 and IPX4 share the same liquid protection: Splashing Water (all directions).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP04 and IPX4 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.