IP38 vs IP49K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP49K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 9K). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP49K provides > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP49K, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP49K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP49K
Yes
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP49K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP49K
Yes
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP49K)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP49K is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP49K provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP38. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP38 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.