IP38 vs IP60
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP60 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 0). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP60 provides dust-tight 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.
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP60
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP60
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP60
No
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP60
No
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP60
No
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP60)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP60 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP38 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8), while IP60 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 IP60. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP60 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.