IP23 vs IP37
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP37 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 7). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP37 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
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)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP37
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP37
Yes
Submersible
IP23
No
IP37
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP37
Yes
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP37)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP37 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP37 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP37 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.