IP40 vs IP64
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP64 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 4). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP64 provides dust-tight and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP64
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP64
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP64
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP64
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP64)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP64 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP64 provides "Splashing Water (all directions)" (level 4). IP64 is 4 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.