IP41 vs IP48
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP41 and IP48 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 8). IP41 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water, while IP48 provides > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
Under IEC 60529, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm 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 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP41
No
IP48
No
Water-jet resistant
IP41
No
IP48
Yes
Submersible
IP41
No
IP48
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP41
No
IP48
Yes
The exact difference (IP41 vs IP48)
Solid protection
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP41 and IP48 share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP48 provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.