IP23 vs IP32
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP32 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 2). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP32 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
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)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP32
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP32
No
Submersible
IP23
No
IP32
No
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP32
No
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP32)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP32 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP23 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP23 and IP32 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.