IP40 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 7). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP57 provides dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP57 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7). IP57 is 7 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.