IP43 vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 7). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IPX7 provides no protection and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
IPX7 resists temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, with solid protection not specified. Common for portable electronics that may be dropped in water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP43
No
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP43 vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX7 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP43 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IPX7 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IPX7 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 and IPX7 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.