IP16 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP16 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 3). IP16 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 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 6.
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)
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP16
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP16
Yes
IP43
No
Submersible
IP16
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP16
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP16 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP16 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP16 and IP43 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.