IP32 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 8). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP32
No
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP32 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP48 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP48 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.