IP37 vs IP58
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP37 and IP58 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 8). IP37 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP58 provides dust-protected 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.
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP37
No
IP58
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP37
Yes
IP58
Yes
Submersible
IP37
Yes
IP58
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP37
Yes
IP58
Yes
The exact difference (IP37 vs IP58)
Solid protection
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP58 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP58 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP58 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP37. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP37 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.