IP20 vs IP32
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP32 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 2). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP32 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP20 protects against contact with a finger and solid objects larger than 12.5 mm. It has no water protection and is intended for dry, indoor use such as consumer electronics and IT equipment.
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)
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP32
No
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP32
No
Submersible
IP20
No
IP32
No
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP32
No
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP32)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP32 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP20 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.
Recommendation
IP32 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP32 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.