IP15 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 0). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle 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 5.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP40
No
Submersible
IP15
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP15 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP15 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP15 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.