IP40 vs IP32
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP32 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 2). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP32 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
Under IEC 60529, IP32 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm 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 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP32
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP32
No
Submersible
IP40
No
IP32
No
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP32
No
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP32)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP40 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP32 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2). IP32 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP32 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP32 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.