IP16 vs IP29K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP16 and IP29K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 6 vs 9K). IP16 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP29K provides > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 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 6.
With IP29K, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP16
No
IP29K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP16
Yes
IP29K
Yes
Submersible
IP16
No
IP29K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP16
Yes
IP29K
Yes
The exact difference (IP16 vs IP29K)
Solid protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP16 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP29K is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP29K provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP16. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP16 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.