IP41 vs IP58
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP41 and IP58 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 8). IP41 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water, while IP58 provides dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
Under IEC 60529, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP41
No
IP58
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP41
No
IP58
Yes
Submersible
IP41
No
IP58
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP41
No
IP58
Yes
The exact difference (IP41 vs IP58)
Solid protection
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP41 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP58 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP58 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP58 provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.