IP58 vs IP37
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP58 and IP37 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 7). IP58 is rated for dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP37 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
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)
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP58
Limited
IP37
No
Water-jet resistant
IP58
Yes
IP37
Yes
Submersible
IP58
Yes
IP37
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP58
Yes
IP37
Yes
The exact difference (IP58 vs IP37)
Solid protection
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP58 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP58 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP58 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP37. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP37 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.