IP20 vs IP49K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP20 and IP49K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 9K). IP20 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection, while IP49K provides > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP20 protects against contact with a finger and solid objects larger than 12.5 mm. It has no water protection and is intended for dry, indoor use such as consumer electronics and IT equipment.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP49K, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP20
0 — No Protection
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP20
No
IP49K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP20
No
IP49K
Yes
Submersible
IP20
No
IP49K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP20
No
IP49K
Yes
The exact difference (IP20 vs IP49K)
Solid protection
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP49K is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP49K provides "High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets" (level 9). IP49K is 9 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.