IP37 vs IP64
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP37 and IP64 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 4). IP37 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP64 provides dust-tight and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP37
No
IP64
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP37
Yes
IP64
No
Submersible
IP37
Yes
IP64
No
Outdoor suitable
IP37
Yes
IP64
Yes
The exact difference (IP37 vs IP64)
Solid protection
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP64 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP37 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 and IP64 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.