IP09K vs IP43
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP09K and IP43 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 0 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 3). IP09K is rated for no protection and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP43 provides > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°).
The IP09K rating offers no protection against solid objects and resistance to high-pressure (8–10 MPa), high-temperature (80 °C) water jets. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 0 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP09K
0 — No Protection
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP09K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
Dust-tight
IP09K
No
IP43
No
Water-jet resistant
IP09K
Yes
IP43
No
Submersible
IP09K
Yes
IP43
No
Outdoor suitable
IP09K
Yes
IP43
No
The exact difference (IP09K vs IP43)
Solid protection
IP09K
Level 0 — No Protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP09K provides "No Protection" (level 0), while IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP43 is 4 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP09K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP09K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets), while IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)). IP09K provides 6 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP09K offers higher overall protection than IP43. Choose IP09K for harsher environments; IP43 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.