IP39K vs IP44
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP39K and IP44 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 4). IP39K is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP44 provides > 1 mm — small wires and splashing water (all directions).
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.
IP44 protects against small solid objects (1 mm) and splashing water from any direction. It is the common minimum rating for outdoor-covered fixtures and bathroom zone equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP44
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP44
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
Dust-tight
IP39K
No
IP44
No
Water-jet resistant
IP39K
Yes
IP44
No
Submersible
IP39K
Yes
IP44
No
Outdoor suitable
IP39K
Yes
IP44
Yes
The exact difference (IP39K vs IP44)
Solid protection
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP44
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP44 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP44 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP44
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP44 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)). IP39K provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP44. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP44 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.