IP55 vs IP32
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP32 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 2). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP32 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt.
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
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)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP32
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP32
No
Submersible
IP55
No
IP32
No
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP32
No
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP32)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP55 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP55 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.