IP33 vs IP41
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP41 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 1). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP41 provides > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water.
IP33 protects against tools and 2.5 mm objects plus spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for indoor equipment subject to light spray or for sheltered outdoor fixtures.
Under IEC 60529, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP41
No
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP41
No
Submersible
IP33
No
IP41
No
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP41
No
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP41)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP41 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP41 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP33 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP33 offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP33 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.