IP37 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP37 and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 0). IP37 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP6X provides dust-tight and no protection.
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.
IP6X is fully dust-tight—no ingress of dust whatsoever—with water protection not specified. The highest solid-protection rating, used where complete dust exclusion is critical.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP37
No
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP37
Yes
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP37
Yes
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP37
Yes
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP37 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP37 provides "Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)" (level 7), while IP6X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP37 is 7 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP37 offers higher overall protection than IP6X. Choose IP37 for harsher environments; IP6X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.