IP08 vs IP32
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP08 and IP32 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 2). IP08 is rated for no protection and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP32 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Built to withstand no protection against solid objects and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP08, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 8.
Under IEC 60529, IP32 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP08
0 — No Protection
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP08
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP08
No
IP32
No
Water-jet resistant
IP08
Yes
IP32
No
Submersible
IP08
Yes
IP32
No
Outdoor suitable
IP08
Yes
IP32
No
The exact difference (IP08 vs IP32)
Solid protection
IP08
Level 0 — No Protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP08 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP32 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP08
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP08 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP08 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP08 offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP08 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.