IP16 vs IP19K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP16 and IP19K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in liquid protection (level 6 vs 9K). IP16 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and powerful water jets (12.5 mm nozzle), while IP19K provides > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
IP16 is an ingress protection code that ensures protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against powerful water jets. Water projected in powerful jets by a 12.5 mm nozzle 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 6.
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)
IP16
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP16
6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP16
No
IP19K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP16
Yes
IP19K
Yes
Submersible
IP16
No
IP19K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP16
Yes
IP19K
Yes
The exact difference (IP16 vs IP19K)
Solid protection
IP16
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
Both IP16 and IP19K share the same solid protection: > 50 mm — Back of Hand.
Liquid protection
IP16
Level 6 — Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP16 handles 100 kPa (Powerful Water Jets (12.5 mm nozzle)), while IP19K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP19K provides 3 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP19K offers higher overall protection than IP16. Choose IP19K for harsher environments; IP16 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.