IP37 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP37 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 6). IP37 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP56 provides dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 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.
IP56 is dust-protected and resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa). Suited to outdoor equipment subjected to heavy rain or hose-directed water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP37
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP37
Yes
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP37
Yes
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP37
Yes
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP37 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP37 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 offers higher overall protection than IP37. Choose IP56 for harsher environments; IP37 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.