IP15 vs IP37
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP37 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 7). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP37 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
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)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP37
No
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP37
Yes
Submersible
IP15
No
IP37
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP37
Yes
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP37)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP15 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
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP37 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP37 for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.