IP19K vs IP33
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP19K and IP33 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 3). IP19K is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP33 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
IP33 protects against tools and 2.5 mm objects plus spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for indoor equipment subject to light spray or for sheltered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP19K
No
IP33
No
Water-jet resistant
IP19K
Yes
IP33
No
Submersible
IP19K
Yes
IP33
No
Outdoor suitable
IP19K
Yes
IP33
No
The exact difference (IP19K vs IP33)
Solid protection
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP19K provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP33 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP19K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP19K provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP19K offers higher overall protection than IP33. Choose IP19K for harsher environments; IP33 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.