IP23 vs IP39K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP23 and IP39K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 9K). IP23 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP39K provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
Under IEC 60529, IP23 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
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)
IP23
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP23
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP23
No
IP39K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP23
No
IP39K
Yes
Submersible
IP23
No
IP39K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP23
No
IP39K
Yes
The exact difference (IP23 vs IP39K)
Solid protection
IP23
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP23 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP39K is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP23
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP23 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP39K provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP23. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP23 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.