IP22 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 8). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
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)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP38 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP22 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 IP22. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.