IP43 vs IP37
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP37 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 7). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP37 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP37
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP37
Yes
Submersible
IP43
No
IP37
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP37
Yes
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP37)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP43 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP37 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 offers higher overall protection than IP43. Choose IP37 for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.