IP20 vs IP37
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP37 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 7). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP37 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
IP20 protects against contact with a finger and solid objects larger than 12.5 mm. It has no water protection and is intended for dry, indoor use such as consumer electronics and IT equipment.
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)
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP37
No
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP37
Yes
Submersible
IP20
No
IP37
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP37
Yes
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP37)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP37 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP37 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7). IP37 is 7 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP37 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.