IP38 vs IP61
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP61 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 1). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP61 provides dust-tight and vertically dripping water.
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.
IP61 is an ingress protection code that ensures dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP61
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP61
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP61
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP61
No
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP61
No
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP61
No
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP61)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP61
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP61 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP61 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP61
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP61 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP38 provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP61. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP61 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.