IP27 vs IP39K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP27 and IP39K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 9K). IP27 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP39K provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire 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.
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)
IP27
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP27
No
IP39K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP27
Yes
IP39K
Yes
Submersible
IP27
Yes
IP39K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP27
Yes
IP39K
Yes
The exact difference (IP27 vs IP39K)
Solid protection
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP39K is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP39K provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP27. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP27 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.