IP33 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 7). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP57 provides dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP33
No
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP57 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP33. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP33 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.