IP19K vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP19K and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 3). IP19K is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered 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
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP19K
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP19K
Yes
IP43
No
Submersible
IP19K
Yes
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP19K
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP19K vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP19K provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP19K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP43 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 IP43. Choose IP19K for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.