IP22 vs IP37
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP37 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 7). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP37 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP37
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP37
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP37
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP37
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP37)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP37 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP37 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP37 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.