IP22 vs IP39K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP22 and IP39K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 2 vs 9K). IP22 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP39K provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
IP39K is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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 3 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
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP22
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP22
No
IP39K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP22
No
IP39K
Yes
Submersible
IP22
No
IP39K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP22
No
IP39K
Yes
The exact difference (IP22 vs IP39K)
Solid protection
IP22
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP22 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP39K is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP22
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP22 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP39K provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP22. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP22 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.