IP11 vs IPX4
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IPX4 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 4). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IPX4 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
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.
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)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX4
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX4
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IPX4
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IPX4
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IPX4
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IPX4
Yes
The exact difference (IP11 vs IPX4)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX4
Level 0 — No Protection
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX4 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP11 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IPX4
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IPX4 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IPX4 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX4 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IPX4 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.