IP17 vs IP35
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP35 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 5). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP35 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP35, it pairs solid level 3 with liquid level 5.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP35
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP35
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP35
No
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP35
Yes
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP35
No
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP35
Yes
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP35)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP35
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP35 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP35 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP35
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP17 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP35 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP17 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP17 and IP35 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.