IP47 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP47 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 7 vs 8). IP47 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
IP47 provides protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP47
No
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP47
Yes
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP47
Yes
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP47
Yes
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP47 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP47 and IP48 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP47 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP48 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP47. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP47 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.