IP35 vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP35 and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 3). IP35 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP35, it pairs solid level 3 with 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)
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP35
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP35
Yes
IP43
No
Submersible
IP35
No
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP35
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP35 vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP35 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP35 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP35 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP35 offers higher overall protection than IP43. Choose IP35 for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.