IP14 vs IP60
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP14 and IP60 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 0). IP14 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions), while IP60 provides dust-tight and no protection.
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.
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP60
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP14
No
IP60
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP14
No
IP60
No
Submersible
IP14
No
IP60
No
Outdoor suitable
IP14
Yes
IP60
No
The exact difference (IP14 vs IP60)
Solid protection
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP60 is 5 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP14 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4), while IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP14 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP60 offers higher overall protection than IP14. Choose IP60 for harsher environments; IP14 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.