IP11 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 3). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP43
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP43 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.