IP19K vs IP20
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP19K and IP20 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 1 vs 2) and liquid protection (level 9K vs 0). IP19K is rated for > 50 mm — back of hand and high-pressure, high-temp water jets, while IP20 provides > 12.5 mm — finger and no protection.
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.
IP20 protects against contact with a finger and solid objects larger than 12.5 mm. It has no water protection and is intended for dry, indoor use such as consumer electronics and IT equipment.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP19K
1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP20
2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP19K
9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP20
0 — No Protection
Dust-tight
IP19K
No
IP20
No
Water-jet resistant
IP19K
Yes
IP20
No
Submersible
IP19K
Yes
IP20
No
Outdoor suitable
IP19K
Yes
IP20
No
The exact difference (IP19K vs IP20)
Solid protection
IP19K
Level 1 — > 50 mm — Back of Hand
IP20
Level 2 — > 12.5 mm — Finger
IP19K provides "> 50 mm — Back of Hand" (level 1), while IP20 provides "> 12.5 mm — Finger" (level 2). IP20 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP19K
Level 9 — High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets
IP20
Level 0 — No Protection
IP19K provides "High-Pressure, High-Temp Water Jets" (level 9), while IP20 provides "No Protection" (level 0). IP19K is 9 levels higher.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP19K offers higher overall protection than IP20. Choose IP19K for harsher environments; IP20 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.