IP39K vs IPX7
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP39K and IPX7 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 7). IP39K is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IPX7 provides no protection and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IPX7 resists temporary immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, with solid protection not specified. Common for portable electronics that may be dropped in water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX7
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IPX7
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP39K
No
IPX7
No
Water-jet resistant
IP39K
Yes
IPX7
Yes
Submersible
IP39K
Yes
IPX7
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP39K
Yes
IPX7
Yes
The exact difference (IP39K vs IPX7)
Solid protection
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IPX7
Level 0 — No Protection
IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IPX7 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP39K is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IPX7
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IPX7 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP39K provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IPX7. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IPX7 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.