IP25 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP25 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 0). IP25 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
IP25 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 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)
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP25
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP25
Yes
IP40
No
Submersible
IP25
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP25
Yes
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP25 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP25 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP25 provides "Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)" (level 5), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP25 is 5 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP25 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP25 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.