IP49K vs IP62
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP49K and IP62 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 2). IP49K is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP62 provides dust-tight and dripping water at 15° tilt.
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.
Built to withstand dust-tight (no ingress of dust) and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP62, it pairs solid level 6 with liquid level 2.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP62
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP62
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
Dust-tight
IP49K
No
IP62
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP49K
Yes
IP62
No
Submersible
IP49K
Yes
IP62
No
Outdoor suitable
IP49K
Yes
IP62
No
The exact difference (IP49K vs IP62)
Solid protection
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP62
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP62 provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP62 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP62
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP62 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt). IP49K provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP62. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP62 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.