IP38 vs IP40
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP40 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 0). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP40 provides > 1 mm — small wires and no protection.
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.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP40
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP40
No
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP40
No
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP40
No
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP40
No
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP40)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP40 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP38 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8), while IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP38 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.