IP02 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP02 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 8). IP02 is rated for no protection and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
Engineered to deliver no protection against solid objects and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP02, it pairs solid level 0 with liquid level 2.
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)
IP02
0 — No Protection
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP02
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP02
No
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP02
No
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP02
No
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP02
No
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP02 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP02
Level 0 — No Protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP02 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP38 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP02
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP02 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP38 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP02. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP02 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.