IP37 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP37 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5). IP37 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP57 provides dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP37
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP37
Yes
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP37
Yes
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP37
Yes
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP37 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Both IP37 and IP57 share the same liquid protection: Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP37. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP37 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.