IP29K vs IP37
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP29K and IP37 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 7). IP29K is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP37 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
Specified under IEC 60529, IP37 denotes protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 7.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP37
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP37
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP29K
No
IP37
No
Water-jet resistant
IP29K
Yes
IP37
Yes
Submersible
IP29K
Yes
IP37
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP29K
Yes
IP37
Yes
The exact difference (IP29K vs IP37)
Solid protection
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP37
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP37 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP37 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP37
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP37 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP29K provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP37. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP37 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.