IP48 vs IP5X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP48 and IP5X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 0). IP48 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP5X provides dust-protected and no protection.
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.
IP5X is dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) with water protection not specified. Used where dust limitation matters but the equipment is kept dry.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP5X
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP5X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP48
No
IP5X
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP48
Yes
IP5X
No
Submersible
IP48
Yes
IP5X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP48
Yes
IP5X
No
The exact difference (IP48 vs IP5X)
Solid protection
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP5X
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP5X provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP5X is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP5X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP48 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8), while IP5X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP48 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP5X. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP5X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.