IP11 vs IP33
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP33 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 3). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP33 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
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)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP33
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP33
No
Submersible
IP11
No
IP33
No
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP33
No
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP33)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP33 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP33 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP33 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP33 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.