IP32 vs IP64
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IP64 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 4). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP64 provides dust-tight and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IP64
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IP64
No
Submersible
IP32
No
IP64
No
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IP64
Yes
The exact difference (IP32 vs IP64)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP64 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP64 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP64 offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP64 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.