IP32 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 5). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP32
No
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP32 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP32 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP32 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IPX5 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP32 and IPX5 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.