IP58 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP58 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 3). IP58 is rated for dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
IP58 is dust-protected and rated for continuous immersion in water under manufacturer-specified conditions. A niche rating for equipment that must operate submerged while allowing limited dust ingress.
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)
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP58
Limited
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP58
Yes
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP58
Yes
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP58
Yes
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP58 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP58 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Both IP58 and IP38 share the same liquid protection: Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified).
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP58 offers higher overall protection than IP38. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP38 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.