IP32 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 0). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
Under IEC 60529, IP32 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IP40
No
Submersible
IP32
No
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP32 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP32 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP32 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP32 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP32 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.