IP67 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP67 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 8). IP67 is rated for dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
IP67 is dust-tight and withstands temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The go-to rating for outdoor and rugged devices that may be briefly submerged.
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)
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP67
Yes
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP67
Yes
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP67
Yes
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP67
Yes
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP67 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP67 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP38 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP38. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP38 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.