IP15 vs IP33
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP33 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 3). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP33 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°).
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
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)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP33
No
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP33
No
Submersible
IP15
No
IP33
No
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP33
No
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP33)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP15 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
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP15 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP15 and IP33 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.