IP33 vs IP15
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP15 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 1) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 5). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP15 provides > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle 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 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP15
No
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP15
Yes
Submersible
IP33
No
IP15
No
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP15
Yes
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP15)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1). IP33 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP15 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP33 and IP15 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.