IP37 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP37 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 1). IP37 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
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.
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP37
No
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP37
Yes
IP61
No
Submersible
IP37
Yes
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP37
Yes
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP37 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP37 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 offers higher overall protection than IP61. Choose IP37 for harsher environments; IP61 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.