IP18 vs IP29K
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP18 and IP29K are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 8 vs 9K). IP18 is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and continuous immersion (manufacturer-specified), while IP29K provides > 12.5 mm — finger and high-pressure, high-temp water jets.
The IP18 classification guarantees protection against solid objects larger than 50 mm and protection against the effects of continuous immersion in water under conditions specified by the manufacturer.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 1 with second-digit (liquid) level 8.
With IP29K, an enclosure receives protection against solid objects larger than 12.5 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 2 with second-digit (liquid) level 9K.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP18
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP29K
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP18
8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP29K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
Dust-tight
IP18
No
IP29K
No
Water-jet resistant
IP18
Yes
IP29K
Yes
Submersible
IP18
Yes
IP29K
Yes
Outdoor suitable
IP18
Yes
IP29K
Yes
The exact difference (IP18 vs IP29K)
Solid protection
IP18
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP29K
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP18 provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP29K provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP29K is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP18
Level 8 — Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)
IP29K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP18 handles Specified by manufacturer (Continuous Immersion (manufacturer-specified)), while IP29K handles 8–10 MPa (High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets). IP29K provides 1 level more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP29K offers higher overall protection than IP18. Choose IP29K for harsher environments; IP18 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.