IP58 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP58 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 5 vs 4). IP58 is rated for dust-protected and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
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)
IP58
5 — Dust-Protected
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP58
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP58
Limited
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP58
Yes
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP58
Yes
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP58
Yes
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP58 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP58
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP58 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP58 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP58
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Both IP58 and IP48 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 IP48. Choose IP58 for harsher environments; IP48 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.