IP48 vs IP60
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP48 and IP60 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 0). IP48 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP60 provides dust-tight 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.
IP60 is dust-tight with no water protection. Used for indoor equipment in very dusty environments that stays completely dry — dust exclusion without any moisture tolerance.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP60
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP60
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP48
No
IP60
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP48
Yes
IP60
No
Submersible
IP48
Yes
IP60
No
Outdoor suitable
IP48
Yes
IP60
No
The exact difference (IP48 vs IP60)
Solid protection
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP60
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP60 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP60 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP60
Level 0 — No Protection
IP48 provides "Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)" (level 8), while IP60 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 IP60. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IP60 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.