IP10 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP10 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 8). IP10 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and no protection, while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with 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
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP10
0 — No Protection
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP10
No
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP10
No
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP10
No
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP10
No
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP10 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP10
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP10 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP48 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP10
Level 0 — No Protection
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP10 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP48 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8). IP48 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP10. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP10 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.