IP33 vs IP32
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP32 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 2). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP32 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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, 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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP32
No
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP32
No
Submersible
IP33
No
IP32
No
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP32
No
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP32)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Both IP33 and IP32 share the same solid protection: > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP33 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP33 offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP33 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.