IP40 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 8). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP40 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP38 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8). IP38 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.