IP37 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP37 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 5). IP37 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP37
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP37
Yes
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP37
Yes
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP37
Yes
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP37 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP37 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 and IP55 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.