IP55 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP55 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 8). IP55 is rated for dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
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)
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP55
Limited
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP55
Yes
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP55
No
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP55
Yes
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP55 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP55 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP55 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.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP55. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP55 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.