IP38 vs IP46
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP46 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 6). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP46 provides > 1 mm — small wires and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle).
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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP46 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 6.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP46
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP46
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP46
No
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP46
Yes
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP46
No
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP46
Yes
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP46)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP46
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP46 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP46 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP46
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP46 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP38 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP46. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP46 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.