IP15 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 3). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
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)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP43
No
Submersible
IP15
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP15 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.