IP15 vs IP49K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP15 and IP49K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 5 vs 9K). IP15 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle), while IP49K provides > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
With IP15, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against water jets. Water projected by a 6.3 mm nozzle against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 5.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP49K, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP15
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP15
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP15
No
IP49K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP15
Yes
IP49K
Yes
Submersible
IP15
No
IP49K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP15
Yes
IP49K
Yes
The exact difference (IP15 vs IP49K)
Solid protection
IP15
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP15 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP49K is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP15
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP15 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)), while IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP49K provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP15. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP15 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.