IP10 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 8). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
IP10 provides protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
IP38 provides protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP10
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP10
No
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP38 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP38 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8). IP38 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.