IP67 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP67 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 6 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 8). IP67 is rated for dust-tight and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
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)
IP67
6 — Dust-Tight
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP67
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP67
Yes
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP67
Yes
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP67
Yes
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP67
Yes
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP67 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP67
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP67 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP67 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP67
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP67 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP48 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP67 offers higher overall protection than IP48. Choose IP67 for harsher environments; IP48 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.