IP40 vs IP60
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP60 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP60 provides dust-tight and no protection.
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.
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP60
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP60
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP60
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP60
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP60
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP60)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP60 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
Both IP40 and IP60 share the same liquid protection: No Protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP60 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP60 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.