IP18 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP18 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4). IP18 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
The IP18 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 50 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
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)
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP18
No
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP18
Yes
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP18
Yes
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP18
Yes
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP18 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP18 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP48 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Both IP18 and IP48 share the same liquid protection: Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP18. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP18 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.