IP40 vs IP59K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP40 and IP59K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 0 vs 9K). IP40 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and no protection, while IP59K provides dust-protected and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP40 protects against small tools and wires (1 mm objects) but offers no water protection. Useful for indoor equipment needing finer ingress protection against small debris and tools.
The IP59K classification guarantees dust-protected (limited ingress, no harmful deposit) 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 5 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP40
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP59K
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP40
0 — No Protection
IP59K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP40
No
IP59K
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP40
No
IP59K
Yes
Submersible
IP40
No
IP59K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP40
No
IP59K
Yes
The exact difference (IP40 vs IP59K)
Solid protection
IP40
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP59K
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP40 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP59K provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP59K is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP40
Level 0 — No Protection
IP59K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP40 provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP59K provides "High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets" (level 9). IP59K is 9 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP59K offers higher overall protection than IP40. Choose IP59K for harsher environments; IP40 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.