IP41 vs IP49K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP41 and IP49K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 1 vs 9K). IP41 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and vertically dripping water, while IP49K provides > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
Under IEC 60529, IP41 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 4 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Built to withstand protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP49K, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP41
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP41
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP41
No
IP49K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP41
No
IP49K
Yes
Submersible
IP41
No
IP49K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP41
No
IP49K
Yes
The exact difference (IP41 vs IP49K)
Solid protection
IP41
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP41 and IP49K share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP41
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP41 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP49K provides 8 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP41. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP41 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.