IP32 vs IP33
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IP33 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 3). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP33 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
IP33 protects against tools and 2.5 mm objects plus spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for indoor equipment subject to light spray or for sheltered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IP33
No
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IP33
No
Submersible
IP32
No
IP33
No
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IP33
No
The exact difference (IP32 vs IP33)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Both IP32 and IP33 share the same solid protection: > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP33 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP33 offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP33 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.