IP34 vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 7). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IPX7 provides no protection and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IPX7 resists temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, with solid protection not specified. Common for portable electronics that may be dropped in water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP34
No
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP34 vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IPX7 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP34 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IPX7 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IPX7 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 and IPX7 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.