IP38 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 5). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 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.
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP38 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP55. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP55 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.