IP35 vs IP54
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP35 and IP54 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 4). IP35 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP54 provides dust-protected and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP54 is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and resists splashing water from any direction. A versatile rating for industrial and outdoor-covered equipment in dusty, damp environments.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP54
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP54
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP35
No
IP54
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP35
Yes
IP54
No
Submersible
IP35
No
IP54
No
Outdoor suitable
IP35
Yes
IP54
Yes
The exact difference (IP35 vs IP54)
Solid protection
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP54
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP35 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP54 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP54 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP54
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP35 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP54 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP35 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP54 offers higher overall protection than IP35. Choose IP54 for harsher environments; IP35 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.