IP48 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP48 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 7). IP48 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP57 provides dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP48
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP48
Yes
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP48
Yes
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP48
Yes
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP48 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP48 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 and IP57 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.