IP11 vs IP37
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP37 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 7). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP37 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
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)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP37
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP37
Yes
Submersible
IP11
No
IP37
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP37
Yes
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP37)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP37 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP37 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP37 for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.