IP37 vs IP54
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP37 and IP54 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 4). IP37 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP54 provides dust-protected and splashing water (all directions).
Specified under IEC 60529, IP37 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
IP54 is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and resists splashing water from any direction. A versatile rating for industrial and outdoor-covered equipment in dusty, damp environments.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP54
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP54
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP37
No
IP54
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP37
Yes
IP54
No
Submersible
IP37
Yes
IP54
No
Outdoor suitable
IP37
Yes
IP54
Yes
The exact difference (IP37 vs IP54)
Solid protection
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP54
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP54 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP54 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP54
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP54 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP37 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 offers higher overall protection than IP54. Choose IP37 for harsher environments; IP54 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.