IP24 vs IP33
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP24 and IP33 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 3). IP24 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and splashing water (all directions), while IP33 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°).
With IP24, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
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)
IP24
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP24
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP24
No
IP33
No
Water-jet resistant
IP24
No
IP33
No
Submersible
IP24
No
IP33
No
Outdoor suitable
IP24
Yes
IP33
No
The exact difference (IP24 vs IP33)
Solid protection
IP24
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP24 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP33 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP24
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP24 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP24 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP24 and IP33 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.