IP20 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 8). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
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)
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP20
No
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP48 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP48 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8). IP48 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.