IP55 vs IP37
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP37 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 7). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP37 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
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)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP37
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP37
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP37
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP37
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP37)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP55 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP37 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 and IP37 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.