IP32 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 1). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
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.
With IP51, an enclosure receives dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IP51
No
Submersible
IP32
No
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP32 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP32 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP51 offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP51 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.