IP12 vs IP19K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP12 and IP19K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 2 vs 9K). IP12 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and dripping water at 15° tilt, while IP19K provides > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
Designed for environments requiring protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water when the enclosure is tilted up to 15° from its normal position., IP12 is an IEC 60529 code combining solid level 1 with liquid level 2.
Under IEC 60529, IP19K specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm 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 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP12
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP12
2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP12
No
IP19K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP12
No
IP19K
Yes
Submersible
IP12
No
IP19K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP12
No
IP19K
Yes
The exact difference (IP12 vs IP19K)
Solid protection
IP12
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Both IP12 and IP19K share the same solid protection: > 50 mm — Back of Hand.
Liquid protection
IP12
Level 2 — Dripping Water at 15° Tilt
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP12 handles 0.3 mm/min drip rate (Dripping Water at 15° Tilt), while IP19K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP19K provides 7 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP19K offers higher overall protection than IP12. Choose IP19K for harsher environments; IP12 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.