IP22 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 0). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP40
No
Submersible
IP22
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP22 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP22 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP22 and IP40 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.