IP45 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP45 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 8). IP45 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
IP45 protects against 1 mm solid objects and low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A mid-range indoor/outdoor-covered rating for equipment that may be rinsed or hosed gently.
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)
IP45
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP45
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP45
No
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP45
Yes
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP45
No
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP45
Yes
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP45 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP45
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP45 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP45 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP45
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP45 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP38 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP45. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP45 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.