IP38 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP5X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 0). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP5X provides dust-protected and no protection.
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.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP38 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8), while IP5X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP38 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP5X. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP5X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.