IP20 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 8). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
IP20 protects against contact with a finger and solid objects larger than 12.5 mm. It has no water protection and is intended for dry, indoor use such as consumer electronics and IT equipment.
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)
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP20
No
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP38 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP38 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8). IP38 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.