IP28 vs IP32
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP28 and IP32 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 2). IP28 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP32 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP28 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
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)
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP28
No
IP32
No
Water-jet resistant
IP28
Yes
IP32
No
Submersible
IP28
Yes
IP32
No
Outdoor suitable
IP28
Yes
IP32
No
The exact difference (IP28 vs IP32)
Solid protection
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP28 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP32 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP28 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP28 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP28 offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP28 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.