IP27 vs IP49K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP27 and IP49K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 7 vs 9K). IP27 is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and temporary immersion (up to 1 m), while IP49K provides > 1 mm — small wires 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.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP49K, it pairs solid level 4 with 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
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP27
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP27
No
IP49K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP27
Yes
IP49K
Yes
Submersible
IP27
Yes
IP49K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP27
Yes
IP49K
Yes
The exact difference (IP27 vs IP49K)
Solid protection
IP27
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP27 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP49K is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP27
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP27 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)), while IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP49K provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP27. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP27 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.