IP11 vs IP49K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP11 and IP49K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 4) and liquid protection (level 1 vs 9K). IP11 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and vertically dripping water, while IP49K provides > 1 mm — small wires and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
Engineered to deliver protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. Classified as IEC 60529 ingress protection code IP11, it pairs solid level 1 with liquid level 1.
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.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP11
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP49K
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP11
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP49K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP11
No
IP49K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP11
No
IP49K
Yes
Submersible
IP11
No
IP49K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP11
No
IP49K
Yes
The exact difference (IP11 vs IP49K)
Solid protection
IP11
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP49K
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP11 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP49K provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4). IP49K is 3 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP11
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP49K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP11 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water), while IP49K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP49K provides 8 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP49K offers higher overall protection than IP11. Choose IP49K for harsher environments; IP11 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.