IP32 vs IP62
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IP62 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP62 provides dust-tight and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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 dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP62, it pairs solid level 6 with liquid level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP62
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP62
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IP62
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IP62
No
Submersible
IP32
No
IP62
No
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IP62
No
The exact difference (IP32 vs IP62)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP62
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP62 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP62 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP62
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Both IP32 and IP62 share the same liquid protection: Dripping Water at 15° Tilt.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP62 offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP62 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.