IP33 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 1). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
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.
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP61
No
Submersible
IP33
No
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP33 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP61 offers higher overall protection than IP33. Choose IP61 for harsher environments; IP33 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.