IP48 vs IP49K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP48 and IP49K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 8 vs 9K). IP48 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP49K provides > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 1.0 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP48, it pairs solid level 4 with liquid level 8.
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)
IP48
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP48
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP48
No
IP49K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP48
Yes
IP49K
Yes
Submersible
IP48
Yes
IP49K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP48
Yes
IP49K
Yes
The exact difference (IP48 vs IP49K)
Solid protection
IP48
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Both IP48 and IP49K share the same solid protection: > 1 mm — Small Wires.
Liquid protection
IP48
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP48 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP49K provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP48. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP48 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.