IP38 vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP6X 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 IP6X 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.
IP6X is fully dust-tight—no ingress of dust whatsoever—with water protection not specified. The highest solid-protection rating, used where complete dust exclusion is critical.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP38 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8), while IP6X 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 IP6X. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP6X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.