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