IP38 vs IP56
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP56 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 6). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP56 provides dust-protected 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.
IP56 is dust-protected and resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa). Suited to outdoor equipment subjected to heavy rain or hose-directed water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP56
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP56
Yes
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP56
No
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP56
Yes
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP56)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP56 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)). IP38 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 and IP56 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.