IP33 vs IP14
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP14 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 4). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP14 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions).
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP14
No
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP14
No
Submersible
IP33
No
IP14
No
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP14
Yes
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP14)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP33 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP14 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP33 offers higher overall protection than IP14. Choose IP33 for harsher environments; IP14 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.