IP29K vs IP38
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP29K and IP38 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 2 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 8). IP29K is rated for > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP38 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified).
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.
IP38 provides protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP38
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP38
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
Dust-tight
IP29K
No
IP38
No
Water-jet resistant
IP29K
Yes
IP38
Yes
Submersible
IP29K
Yes
IP38
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP29K
Yes
IP38
Yes
The exact difference (IP29K vs IP38)
Solid protection
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP38
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2), while IP38 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP38 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP38
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP38 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)). IP29K provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K and IP38 offer comparable overall protection; choose based on the specific protection dimension (dust vs. water) that matters most for your application.