IP17 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP17 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 8). IP17 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP17, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 7.
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)
IP17
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP17
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP17
No
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP17
Yes
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP17
Yes
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP17
Yes
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP17 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP17
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP17 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP38 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP17
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP17 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.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP17. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP17 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.