IP38 vs IP53
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP53 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 3). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP53 provides dust-protected and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
Built to withstand dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP53, it pairs solid level 5 with liquid level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP53
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP53
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP53
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP53
No
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP53
No
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP53
No
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP53)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP53
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP53 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP53 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP53
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP53 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP38 provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP53. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP53 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.