IP33 vs IP47
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP47 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 7). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP47 provides > 1 mm — small wires and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
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)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP47
No
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP47
Yes
Submersible
IP33
No
IP47
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP47
Yes
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP47)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP47 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP47 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP47 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP47 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP47 offers higher overall protection than IP33. Choose IP47 for harsher environments; IP33 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.