IP32 vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP32 and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 8). IP32 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
Under IEC 60529, IP32 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (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)
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP32
No
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP32
No
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP32
No
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP32
No
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP32 vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Both IP32 and IP38 share the same solid protection: > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire.
Liquid protection
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP32 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 IP32. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.