IP37 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP37 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 8). IP37 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
Specified under IEC 60529, IP37 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP37
No
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP37
Yes
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP37
Yes
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP37
Yes
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP37 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP48 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP48 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP37. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP37 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.