IP19K vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP19K and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 8). IP19K is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
IP38 provides protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP19K
No
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP19K
Yes
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP19K
Yes
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP19K
Yes
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP19K vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP19K provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP38 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP19K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP19K provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP38 offers higher overall protection than IP19K. Choose IP38 for harsher environments; IP19K may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.