IP19K vs IPX4
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP19K and IPX4 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 4). IP19K is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IPX4 provides no protection and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IPX4 (solid protection not specified) resists splashing water from any direction. A common minimum for bathroom and outdoor-covered appliances where dust sealing is not required.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX4
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IPX4
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP19K
No
IPX4
No
Water-jet resistant
IP19K
Yes
IPX4
No
Submersible
IP19K
Yes
IPX4
No
Outdoor suitable
IP19K
Yes
IPX4
Yes
The exact difference (IP19K vs IPX4)
Solid protection
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IPX4
Level 0 — No Protection
IP19K provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IPX4 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP19K is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IPX4
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP19K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IPX4 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP19K provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP19K offers higher overall protection than IPX4. Choose IP19K for harsher environments; IPX4 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.