IP56 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP56 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 8). IP56 is rated for dust-protected and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
IP56 is dust-protected and resists powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle, 100 kPa). Suited to outdoor equipment subjected to heavy rain or hose-directed water.
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)
IP56
5 — Dust-Protected
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP56
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP56
Limited
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP56
Yes
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP56
No
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP56
Yes
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP56 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP56
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP56 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP56 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP56
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP56 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP38 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP56 and IP38 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.