IP60 vs IP37
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP37 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 7). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP37 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
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)
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP37
No
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP37
Yes
Submersible
IP60
No
IP37
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP37
Yes
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP37)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP60 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP37 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7). IP37 is 7 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 offers higher overall protection than IP60. Choose IP37 for harsher environments; IP60 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.