IP33 vs IP39K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP39K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 3 vs 9K). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP39K provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP33 protects against tools and 2.5 mm objects plus spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for indoor equipment subject to light spray or for sheltered outdoor fixtures.
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)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP39K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP39K
Yes
Submersible
IP33
No
IP39K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP39K
Yes
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP39K)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Both IP33 and IP39K share the same solid protection: > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP39K provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP33. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP33 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.