IP39K vs IP63
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP39K and IP63 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 3). IP39K is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP63 provides dust-tight and spraying water (up to 60°).
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.
The IP63 classification guarantees dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against spraying water. Water sprayed at an angle up to 60° on either side of the vertical shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 6 with second-digit (liquid) level 3.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP63
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP63
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP39K
No
IP63
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP39K
Yes
IP63
No
Submersible
IP39K
Yes
IP63
No
Outdoor suitable
IP39K
Yes
IP63
No
The exact difference (IP39K vs IP63)
Solid protection
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP63
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP63 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP63 is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP63
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP63 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP39K provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP63. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP63 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.