IP04 vs IP32
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP04 and IP32 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 2). IP04 is rated for no protection and splashing water (all directions), while IP32 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt.
The IP04 rating offers no protection against solid objects and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP04
0 — No Protection
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP04
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP04
No
IP32
No
Water-jet resistant
IP04
No
IP32
No
Submersible
IP04
No
IP32
No
Outdoor suitable
IP04
Yes
IP32
No
The exact difference (IP04 vs IP32)
Solid protection
IP04
Level 0 — No Protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP04 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP32 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP04
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP04 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP04 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP32 offers higher overall protection than IP04. Choose IP32 for harsher environments; IP04 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.