IP38 vs IP62
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP38 and IP62 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 2). IP38 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP62 provides dust-tight and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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 dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP62, it pairs solid level 6 with liquid level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP62
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP62
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP38
No
IP62
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP38
Yes
IP62
No
Submersible
IP38
Yes
IP62
No
Outdoor suitable
IP38
Yes
IP62
No
The exact difference (IP38 vs IP62)
Solid protection
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP62
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP62 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP62 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP62
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP62 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP38 provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP62. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP62 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.