IP25 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP25 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 3). IP25 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
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)
IP25
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP25
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP25
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP25
Yes
IP43
No
Submersible
IP25
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP25
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP25 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP25
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP25 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP25
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP25 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP25 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP25 and IP43 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.