IP33 vs IP11
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP11 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 1). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP11 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water.
IP33 protects against tools and 2.5 mm objects plus spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for indoor equipment subject to light spray or for sheltered outdoor fixtures.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP11
No
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP11
No
Submersible
IP33
No
IP11
No
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP11
No
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP11)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP33 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP33 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP33 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP33 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.