IP19K vs IP32
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP19K and IP32 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 2). IP19K is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP32 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
Under IEC 60529, IP32 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP32
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP32
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP19K
No
IP32
No
Water-jet resistant
IP19K
Yes
IP32
No
Submersible
IP19K
Yes
IP32
No
Outdoor suitable
IP19K
Yes
IP32
No
The exact difference (IP19K vs IP32)
Solid protection
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP32
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP19K provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP32 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP32 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP32
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP19K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP32 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 IP32. Choose IP19K for harsher environments; IP32 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.