IP48 vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP48 and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 0). IP48 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
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.
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)
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP48
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP48
Yes
IP50
No
Submersible
IP48
Yes
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP48
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP48 vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP48 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP48 is 8 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.