IP33 vs IP24
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP24 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 4). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP24 provides > 12.5 mm — finger 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.
With IP24, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 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
IP24
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP24
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP24
No
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP24
No
Submersible
IP33
No
IP24
No
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP24
Yes
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP24)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP24
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP24 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP33 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP24
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP24 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP24 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP33 and IP24 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.