IP02 vs IP33
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP02 and IP33 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 3). IP02 is rated for no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP33 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°).
Engineered to deliver no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP02, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 2.
IP33 protects against tools and 2.5 mm objects plus spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for indoor equipment subject to light spray or for sheltered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP02
0 — No Protection
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP02
No
IP33
No
Water-jet resistant
IP02
No
IP33
No
Submersible
IP02
No
IP33
No
Outdoor suitable
IP02
No
IP33
No
The exact difference (IP02 vs IP33)
Solid protection
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP02 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP33 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP02 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP33 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP33 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IP33 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.