IP27 vs IP29K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP27 and IP29K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 7 vs 9K). IP27 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP29K provides > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
The IP27 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 mm and protection against the effects of temporary immersion in water. Ingress of water in quantities causing harmful effects shall not be possible.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
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)
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP27
No
IP29K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP27
Yes
IP29K
Yes
Submersible
IP27
Yes
IP29K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP27
Yes
IP29K
Yes
The exact difference (IP27 vs IP29K)
Solid protection
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Both IP27 and IP29K share the same solid protection: > 12.5 mm — Finger.
Liquid protection
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP29K provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP27. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP27 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.