IP38 vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 7). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP57 provides dust-protected 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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP57 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
IP57 offers higher overall protection than IP38. Choose IP57 for harsher environments; IP38 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.