IP14 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP14 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 3). IP14 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions), while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
Under IEC 60529, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP14
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP14
No
IP43
No
Submersible
IP14
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP14
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP14 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP14 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP14. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP14 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.