IP22 vs IP29K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP29K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 9K). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP29K provides > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP22 protects against fingers and 12.5 mm objects, plus vertically dripping water when tilted up to 15°. Common for indoor equipment that may encounter occasional condensation or drips.
With IP29K, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP22
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP29K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP29K
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP29K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP29K
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP29K)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Both IP22 and IP29K share the same solid protection: > 12.5 mm — Finger.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP29K provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.