IP49K vs IP6X
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP49K and IP6X are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 6) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 0). IP49K is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP6X provides dust-tight and no protection.
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.
IP6X is fully dust-tight—no ingress of dust whatsoever—with water protection not specified. The highest solid-protection rating, used where complete dust exclusion is critical.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP6X
6 — Dust-Tight
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP6X
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP49K
No
IP6X
Yes
Water-jet resistant
IP49K
Yes
IP6X
No
Submersible
IP49K
Yes
IP6X
No
Outdoor suitable
IP49K
Yes
IP6X
No
The exact difference (IP49K vs IP6X)
Solid protection
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP6X
Level 6 — Dust-Tight
IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP6X provides "Dust-Tight" (level 6). IP6X is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP6X
Level 0 — No Protection
IP49K provides "High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets" (level 9), while IP6X provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP49K is 9 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP6X. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP6X may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.