IP32 vs IP47
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IP47 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 7). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP47 provides > 1 mm — small wires and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP47 provides protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 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 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IP47
No
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IP47
Yes
Submersible
IP32
No
IP47
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IP47
Yes
The exact difference (IP32 vs IP47)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP47 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP47 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP47 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP47 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP47 offers higher overall protection than IP32. Choose IP47 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.