IP17 vs IP37
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP37 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP37 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP37 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP37
No
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP37
Yes
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP37
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP37
Yes
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP37)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP37 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Both IP17 and IP37 share the same liquid protection: Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 offers higher overall protection than IP17. Choose IP37 for harsher environments; IP17 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.