IP34 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 0). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IP50 provides dust-protected 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.
Under IEC 60529, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IP50
No
Submersible
IP34
No
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP34 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP34 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4), while IP50 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 IP50. Choose IP34 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.