IP57 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP57 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 8). IP57 is rated for dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
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)
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP57
Limited
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP57
Yes
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP57
Yes
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP57
Yes
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP57 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP57 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP38 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP38. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP38 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.