IP38 vs IP58
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP58 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP58 provides dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP58
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP58
Yes
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP58
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP58
Yes
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP58)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP58 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Both IP38 and IP58 share the same liquid protection: Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP38. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP38 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.