IP38 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 0). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP50 provides dust-protected 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.
Under IEC 60529, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP50
No
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP38 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8), while IP50 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 IP50. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.