IP19K vs IP22
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP19K and IP22 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 2). IP19K is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP22 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt.
Under IEC 60529, IP19K specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP19K
No
IP22
No
Water-jet resistant
IP19K
Yes
IP22
No
Submersible
IP19K
Yes
IP22
No
Outdoor suitable
IP19K
Yes
IP22
No
The exact difference (IP19K vs IP22)
Solid protection
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP19K provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP22 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP19K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP19K provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP19K offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP19K for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.