IP60 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 8). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
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)
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP60
No
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP60 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP38 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8). IP38 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP60. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP60 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.