IP49K vs IPX5
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP49K and IPX5 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 0) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 5). IP49K is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IPX5 provides no protection and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
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.
IPX5 resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa) with solid protection not specified. Used where water-jet resistance matters more than dust sealing.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX5
0 — No Protection
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IPX5
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP49K
No
IPX5
No
Water-jet resistant
IP49K
Yes
IPX5
Yes
Submersible
IP49K
Yes
IPX5
No
Outdoor suitable
IP49K
Yes
IPX5
Yes
The exact difference (IP49K vs IPX5)
Solid protection
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IPX5
Level 0 — No Protection
IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IPX5 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP49K is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IPX5
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IPX5 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP49K provides 4 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IPX5. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IPX5 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.