IP38 vs IP47
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP47 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 7). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP47 provides > 1 mm — small wires and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP47 provides protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP47
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP47
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP47
No
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP47
Yes
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP47
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP47
Yes
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP47)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP47
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP47 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP47 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP47
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP47 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP38 provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 and IP47 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.