IP60 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP60 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 8). IP60 is rated for dust-tight and no protection, while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
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)
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP60
0 — No Protection
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP60
Yes
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP60
No
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP60
No
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP60
No
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP60 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP60 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP60 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP48 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8). IP48 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP60. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP60 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.