IP32 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IP5X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 0). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP5X provides dust-protected 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.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP32
No
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP32 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP32 provides "Dripping Water at 15° Tilt" (level 2), while IP5X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP32 is 2 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP32 and IP5X offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.