IP38 vs IP51
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP51 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 1). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP51 provides dust-protected and vertically dripping water.
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.
With IP51, an enclosure receives dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP51
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP51
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP51
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP51
No
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP51
No
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP51
No
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP51)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP51
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP51 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP51 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP51
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP51 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP38 provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP51. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP51 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.