IP38 vs IP64
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP64 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 4). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP64 provides dust-tight and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP64 is dust-tight and resists splashing water from any direction. A solid outdoor-covered rating combining complete dust exclusion with splash tolerance, sitting between IP65 (jets) and IP54 (dust-protected).
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP64
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP64
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP64
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP64
No
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP64
No
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP64
Yes
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP64)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP64
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP64 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP64 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP64
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP64 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP38 provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP64. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP64 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.