IP34 vs IP52
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP34 and IP52 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 2). IP34 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and splashing water (all directions), while IP52 provides dust-protected and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP34 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
IP52 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) 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 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP34
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP52
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP34
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP52
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP34
No
IP52
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP34
No
IP52
No
Submersible
IP34
No
IP52
No
Outdoor suitable
IP34
Yes
IP52
No
The exact difference (IP34 vs IP52)
Solid protection
IP34
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP52
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP34 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP52 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP52 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP34
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP52
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP34 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP52 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP34 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP34 and IP52 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.