IP32 vs IP35
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IP35 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP35 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP35, it pairs solid level 3 with liquid level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IP35
No
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IP35
Yes
Submersible
IP32
No
IP35
No
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IP35
Yes
The exact difference (IP32 vs IP35)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Both IP32 and IP35 share the same solid protection: > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP35 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP35 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP35 offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP35 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.