IP12 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 8). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
Designed for environments requiring protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position., IP12 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 1 with liquid level 2.
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)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP12
No
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP12 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
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP38 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.