IP39K vs IP50
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP39K and IP50 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 0). IP39K is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP50 provides dust-protected and no protection.
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.
Under IEC 60529, IP50 specifies dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) and no protection against water. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 0.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP50
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP50
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP39K
No
IP50
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP39K
Yes
IP50
No
Submersible
IP39K
Yes
IP50
No
Outdoor suitable
IP39K
Yes
IP50
No
The exact difference (IP39K vs IP50)
Solid protection
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP50
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP50 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP50 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP50
Level 0 — No Protection
IP39K provides "High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets" (level 9), while IP50 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP39K is 9 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP50. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP50 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.