IP49K vs IP57
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP49K and IP57 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 7). IP49K is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP57 provides dust-protected and temporary immersion (up to 1 m).
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.
IP57 is dust-protected and tolerates temporary immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. Useful for portable devices that may be dropped in shallow water.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP57
7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
Dust-tight
IP49K
No
IP57
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP49K
Yes
IP57
Yes
Submersible
IP49K
Yes
IP57
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP49K
Yes
IP57
Yes
The exact difference (IP49K vs IP57)
Solid protection
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP57
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP57 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP57 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP57
Level 7 — Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)
IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP57 handles Hydrostatic ~10 kPa at 1 m (Temporary Immersion (up to 1 m)). IP49K provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP57. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP57 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.