IP10 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP40
No
Submersible
IP10
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP10 and IP40 share the same liquid protection: No Protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP40 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP40 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.