IP11 vs IP32
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP32 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 2). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP32 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
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)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP32
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP32
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP32
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP32
No
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP32)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP32 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP32 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP32 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP32 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.