IP39K vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP39K and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 5). IP39K is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP39K
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP39K
Yes
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP39K
Yes
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP39K
Yes
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP39K vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP39K is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP39K provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IPX5. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IPX5 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.