IP14 vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP14 and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 7). IP14 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions), while IPX7 provides no protection and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IPX7 resists temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, with solid protection not specified. Common for portable electronics that may be dropped in water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP14
No
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP14
No
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP14
No
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP14
Yes
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP14 vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX7 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP14 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IPX7 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IPX7 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IPX7 offers higher overall protection than IP14. Choose IPX7 for harsher environments; IP14 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.