IP28 vs IP37
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP28 and IP37 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 7). IP28 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP37 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
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)
IP28
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP28
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP28
No
IP37
No
Water-jet resistant
IP28
Yes
IP37
Yes
Submersible
IP28
Yes
IP37
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP28
Yes
IP37
Yes
The exact difference (IP28 vs IP37)
Solid protection
IP28
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP28 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP37 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP28
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP28 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP28 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP28 and IP37 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.