IP48 vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP48 and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 5). IP48 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP48
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP48
Yes
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP48
Yes
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP48
Yes
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP48 vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP48 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP48 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP48 provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP48 offers higher overall protection than IPX5. Choose IP48 for harsher environments; IPX5 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.