IP14 vs IP39K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP14 and IP39K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 4 vs 9K). IP14 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and splashing water (all directions), while IP39K provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
Under IEC 60529, IP14 specifies protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against splashing water. Water splashed against the enclosure from any direction shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 4.
IP39K is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 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 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP14
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP39K
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP14
4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP39K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP14
No
IP39K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP14
No
IP39K
Yes
Submersible
IP14
No
IP39K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP14
Yes
IP39K
Yes
The exact difference (IP14 vs IP39K)
Solid protection
IP14
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP39K
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP14 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP39K provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP39K is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP14
Level 4 — Splashing Water (all directions)
IP39K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP14 handles 50–100 kPa (Splashing Water (all directions)), while IP39K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP39K provides 5 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP39K offers higher overall protection than IP14. Choose IP39K for harsher environments; IP14 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.