IP10 vs IP32
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP32 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 2). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP32 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
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)
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP32
No
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP32
No
Submersible
IP10
No
IP32
No
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP32
No
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP32)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP32 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP32 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2). IP32 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP32 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP32 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.