IP34 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 0). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IP40
No
Submersible
IP34
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP34 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP34 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP34 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP34 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.