IP23 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 8). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
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)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP23
No
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP48 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP48 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.